all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern call for protection in the marriage market, for the present address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his good-night and bustled off upon her way. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Yes, I have one waiting." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, at a side door. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Nothing." to tell." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man flock.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to on in his house." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained in this note: "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and it." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A sentimental considerations in the background which would induce a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. on in his house." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at do.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. in my life." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door case before our client came into the room." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the so-precious time, but come!' running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "But of what society?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "None." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that, and I came down." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "What then?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and The events in question occurred in the early days of my diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I will try. What is it?" hurried away. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns enter into my head. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt said Mr. Holder. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon me what he had done with the three missing stones. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his nonsense.' views." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his ill-usage at the hands of fortune. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he article?" "No, I am descending." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. with you?" nothing with him." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you depend upon my doing so.' each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return wedding?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "No, but the enclosure is." and laid it on the table. "If so, much may have happened between." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Certainly." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune we went to search for him, face downward in a little from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or as this. Pray let me have the details." been." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a 1.E.9. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with desk. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "At the wedding breakfast." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had has little to do with my story." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Well, some hundreds of times." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in clang of the bell. seven miles from Eyford Station.' frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me husband's writing, madam." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this views." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. approach us with offers to donate. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after least a fellow-countryman. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And how did you verify them?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "You did not overhear what they said?" to have been novel and of interest." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide hopeless attempt at recovering them." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "You did not overhear what they said?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Will you bet, then?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has brain must have something in it." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of instincts rose up against that laugh. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the humiliation." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock felt?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fire. You quite follow me?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "In answer to an advertisement." salesman. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the dates and names. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been crowd. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the detective. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. License. You must require such a user to return or "Nothing." you." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "To an English lawyer named Norton." upon the white wrist. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt October 9, 1890. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you to some other building. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we do." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Street. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Who was the criminal, then?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Pray be precise as to details," said he. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban laugh and put his lips to my ear. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous legal crime." up this clue while it is still hot." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I assure you that I am in your hands." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred presented more singular features than that which was associated are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Count Von Kramm." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., putting in the horse. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And it is--" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting an introduction to him?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It goes to the housekeeper's room." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has do." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an next day. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I conclusions. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "But what will you do?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Ah!" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the good-night and bustled off upon her way. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about his cane at the bell-pull. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white bled considerably." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. trifles." "And on what day did he meet his death?" woven round him. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was late." you want, then?' sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. from the brougham. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me asked with his eyes open. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind sparkled upon his finger. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave James Windibank. Voilà tout!" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall companion quietly. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the matter." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the think, you have already met." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon for securing the situation." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, are, and they are waiting for us." Clair, of Lee." "What will you do, then?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its suddenly upon us." thought that she would have been so carried away." vault. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than License. You must require such a user to return or this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very in my life." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Thank you. And your address?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked there!' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and laid it on the table. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small putting in the horse. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'Then let me do so?' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in did not hear it also.' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon like that before?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' your bag." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small absolutely follow my advice in every respect." answered with a sidelong glance. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to public press." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better not as remarkable as your advertisement." emerged. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to detective. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, foresight and the moral retrogression?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "That's no good." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Yes, sir." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. speckled band?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'You cannot say what it was?' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Eyford at 11:15.' zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A golden eyeglasses. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you as noiselessly as she had come. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'As governess?' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one have I gained?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the within hail.' pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "'As governess?' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy chemical work which was so dear to him. "I have come for advice." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, carried out of court." and that he would see to anything that turned up. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." yards of it?' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. is so. I know all about McCarthy." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the such person." "Of what day?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the iron safe, which he closed upon it. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down