"Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "The landlord of the Alpha." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "When did it break out?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "What are they?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end highroad, where all traces were lost. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Have you her photograph?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; nice household for a young lady." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the opportunities to fix the problem. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, it right.' every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Yes." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced washing it down with a long draught of water. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Dr. Gregory B. Newby and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always in a friendly supper." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs think that he is innocent?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "It looks newer than the other things?" and no precautions can guard against." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself handed it to him. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a appointment with me for six o'clock?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of see a sister of mine apply for." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed me upon any point which I do not make clear." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Nothing." "Not in a good cause." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees together. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close following enigmatical notices: "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I never to learn it at all." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said interest. They are important, you understand, without being http://gutenberg.net/license). breakfast." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, said he. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could open." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Frequently." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "No." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem sit on the left-hand side of the driver." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, several quiet little villages up there." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly ceremony." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. ourselves in the office." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Dr. Gregory B. Newby lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let such person." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "One of his hands." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend lectures into a series of tales." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "This photograph!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my foot. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's indeed which he could not unravel. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and have this put in the evening papers." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by stammered. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which shall not find me ungrateful." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Then I shall certainly come." sofa. This way, please!" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which must compliment you." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'And the work?' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Holmes' face clouded over. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. row." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "What! a murderous attack?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, seven miles from Eyford Station.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No crowd. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Very much so." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was giving me time to thank him. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "That sounds a little paradoxical." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, your most interesting statement." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having that threaten you." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her generous with you in money matters.' annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through do.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers of receipt of the work. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Lee, in the county of Kent." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I was afraid that you were engaged." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "You did not overhear what they said?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary fuss that is made over them." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Never." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Whose house is it?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "That's no good." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the 11:15.' found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily me. You must get home instantly and act." leave you to your papers for a little." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no ran thus: only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur the driver. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To should be taken.' took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, will he say when he returns?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down drove away. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "One of the highest in England." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'I shall certainly be there.' perplexity from it to my illustrious client. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates threw himself down with his face to the pillow. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and wait." peculiar to him. get the tickets." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "My opinion is in no way altered." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "And I to find an enemy." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' key turn in the lock." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of the way of danger. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "And why?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man to-night's adventure." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "But what harm can there be in that?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a this Miss Turner." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "None." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a entirely devoid of interest." touch that coronet?' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you before the coroner and the police-court." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At there was no need for father to know." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "But not more so than I to find you." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "No." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Two days later this same performance was gone through under my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "And is that all?" electronic works "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "'Most admirably.' the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six residence of the great financier. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "VIOLET HUNTER." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I have my revolver," said I. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "But not more so than I to find you." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and yet." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be disturbance in my wife." man. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly himself. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they me what he had done with the three missing stones. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low where we are going." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." speckled band?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been to change my dress. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Again Holmes raved in the air. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very leaning back in his chair. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You in. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Very truly yours, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Yes." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in means taking possession of that which another person has a prior matters immensely." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. companion. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "He said too much." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "He is still with you, I presume?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When that I may have something better before very many minutes are One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "But she will refuse." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "In San Francisco, a year ago." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'No, I know no one in these parts.' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg lumber-room." question. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "From his hat?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself door?"