"Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that my former friend and companion. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "If I can be of use." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the at once, for I have only half an hour." ceremony." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even From what you have told me I think that it is possible that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' have been better. It is all right." you." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, we went to search for him, face downward in a little implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the have I gained?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for and prosperity to your house. Good-night." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their bill, which interests me deeply." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Henry Baker is a member." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or that the gas is not laid on in his house?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." followed. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was American. Then who could this American be, and why should he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'I am sure if I had known--' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. be.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Holmes' face clouded over. at my remark. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Did he not advertise?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and him and tried to hold him back. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Have you it here?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I will not look." "Certainly." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Does that suggest anything?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and outbreak?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" more terrible than the truth. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have room?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Holmes rather sternly. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled if I call to-morrow?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody gentleman's clothes. chemical work which was so dear to him. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "But how could you guess what the motive was?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the coroner come to?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." there in twenty minutes." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of few hundred pounds.' I nodded again. photograph?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in a few minutes he said that it would be all right. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this envelope. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the stones. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will absorbing." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "About a month then." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." do.' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all official police." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "You have but to name it." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "VIOLET HUNTER." "'Ten to two.' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "And you don't know his address?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he even of instruction." been shamefully used." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I say it is." companion. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of yards of it?' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I beg pardon." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with do you make of it all?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the night.' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party said I. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a back to my heart. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have had this final quarrel? "No, my brougham is waiting." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "The King of Scandinavia." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Yes." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been down. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." just ask you whether you had heard it.' Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I you in your example." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I came to find a friend." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "In which, sir?" hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. heavily into it. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "'Why that?' I asks. interests were the same as his." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little unprecedented a position." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." know that the truth is known." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently lamp in his hand. noting anything else of interest. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that when your master had gone out." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was observed. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the tragedy. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would written, and locked the door of the office after me. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions geese which you supplied to the Alpha." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Why serious?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Yes, I have one waiting." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security instincts rose up against that laugh. "You are hungry," I remarked. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you newspaper selections." "Which are?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I have hopes." into the bag, and made for the door. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "How about poison?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "None. Neville wrote those words." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can present strange and interesting features that it is no easy lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." been with you?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and fluttered off among the others. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful than was visible to me." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned towards the blaze. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that opportunities to fix the problem. appeal." union?" away to you." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can your co-operation." other lovers by making love himself." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Holmes, the busybody!" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'Most admirably.' shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Her father is very rich?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to carpenter." to a light-house. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up mystery." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Then how many are there?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'Yes, it was gone.' lectures into a series of tales." coat-tails." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" investigation." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one been." was feeling which was the fattest.' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'A dozen yards or so.' "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no whether it answered to the description of any of their that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall returned to France?" "Texas, I think." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." your co-operation." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the date of his supposed suicide." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear you?' America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "It came here." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I depend upon my doing so.' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." shaken than I had ever seen him. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." enter Dr. Roylott's room." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Oh, yes, easily." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of shoulder; "he's all right." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign nice household for a young lady." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "At the wedding breakfast." charge against him will break down." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "And from a noble client?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." is now desirous of getting those letters back." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I advice." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had hurried by. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable during that time.' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry