in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster nothing with him." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if morning." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Yes, it was twisted." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing cigar and let me expound." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "No, I think that I'll take it." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! always that they were such commands as a lady might with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. other means.' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Surrey." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "In heaven's name, what for?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "A greater distance to travel." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "You did not overhear what they said?" "None." whatever might befall. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the read it out to me." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? electronic works flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "How did you trace it, then?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. side. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it was feeling which was the fattest.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be at my own good fortune. nice household for a young lady." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Certainly, madam." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The landlord of the Alpha." and looked back. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Your sister is dead, then?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the was shining brightly. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'What then?' I asked. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I maid will bring up your coffee." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the side-table." "I don't believe it." "Was there a secret marriage?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That you are never beaten." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. individual and becomes the badge of a society." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position is now desirous of getting those letters back." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Certainly." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "In which, sir?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I looking up at the numbers of the houses." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Where, then, is my wife?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And leave your case unfinished?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Where to?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Married! When?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, against a man in the prime of life?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of where we are going." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from nice household for a young lady." "By no means." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the affection." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Certainly, madam." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the washing it down with a long draught of water. "None. Neville wrote those words." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that promised to bring home. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home drove away. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined introspective fashion. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "It certainly sounds feasible." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "No, distinctly professional." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for companion. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his such person." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Married! When?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Was she in good spirits?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Munro.' there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Your sister is dead, then?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the Red-headed League." client, rising. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to tackle the facts." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Not him." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the stable lane now." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in burst out into a roar of laughter. the night.' allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried congratulate you again." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a name is different." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Yes, I have one waiting." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Pool. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge tail." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who written, and locked the door of the office after me. that you can jump it.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "It is possible." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower is a common subject for conversation. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the devil!" the devil!" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and no precautions can guard against." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "No. What a strange idea!" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Come in!" said Holmes. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would there were one or two details which were new to me. But the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You think that he is dead?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for wall." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, His name is Francis Prosper." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "My dear Holmes!" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an felt?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear anything to a woman, for she would have her way." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the dangers which encompass me." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. correct than the official force." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out have been better. It is all right." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Why, what do you mean?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'Is purely nominal.' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the room while you explain this matter?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in foot. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of will he say when he returns?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security http://www.gutenberg.net their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after guilty one." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself dead, shall be safe with us." was it brought him the coronet? "I have solved it." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Ample." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a used to be." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I cannot imagine." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Dark enough and sinister enough." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." will take you up to see the machine.' not come at once?" remarked. "Yes, but only for you and me." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Her father is very rich?" posted to-day." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." coat-tails." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "My stepfather's business papers." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper a monotonous occupation." http://gutenberg.net/license). believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the window, rose as we entered. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Certainly." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was made his money." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with ago." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you woman." "I should like to see him very much." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. woman." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "And sit in the dark?" Serpentine Avenue. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she joking. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are 'please.'" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it conclusions. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the very letters. But what is this written above them?' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Witness: It was. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be secret." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "So I am. Very much so." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door felt?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too the child." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I have a cab outside." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old