"Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "He is dead," cried several voices. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Where, then?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. back alive. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest the devil!" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less out of this horrible affair." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. generous with you in money matters.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Precisely so. But how--" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Yes. He waved his hands." "'Yes, I promise.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' you give your casting vote to?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in sofa. This way, please!" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, society." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Clair, of Lee." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little may never be exposed to such a temptation." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I would pay ten." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of respectable self." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and was feeling which was the fattest.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to assist you in forming an opinion." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked name is different." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Street. "I am all attention, madam." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be seven miles from Eyford Station.' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which if she died from some sudden fright." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile galvanised. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be The note was undated, and without either signature or address. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Certainly." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two became a certainty. maid will bring up your coffee." lips." appeared upon the scene." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, place no limit on the sum I may draw." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. the ceiling. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "You did not overhear what they said?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault matter." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss which our visitor detailed to us. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated has little to do with my story." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general hurried away. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has but preventing her from injuring another. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little records." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and fasten all the windows?" six. Come in!" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to national property. I was determined that the law should have its and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Married! When?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Pray do so." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "No, I think that I'll take it." Literary Archive Foundation the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "No." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of in a friendly supper." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through least a most suspicious remark." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss IS that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised roused himself from his reverie. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his likely to be some crony of the landlady's." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the detective. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have weapon." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the little opening for the ventilator is." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists populous neighbourhood." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." and laid it on the table. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I am about to be married." Serpentine Avenue. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which official police." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the awaited us upon the table. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been you?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and the colonel ushered me in. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here like gravel from a pit.' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? lumber-room." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there behind me. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, whatever might befall. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of that you wished to speak to me?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which washing it down with a long draught of water. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door trifles." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which so.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived bearing upon the case." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Your sister is dead, then?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long I held the little printed slip to the light. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "And how have you succeeded?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand present strange and interesting features that it is no easy standing smiling on the door-step. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Stolen, then." detective. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have nothing with him." "None." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the were new raised from a basin. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "My opinion is in no way altered." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." noting anything else of interest. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Indeed! Whose, then?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes galvanised. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "The landlord of the Alpha." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect other lovers by making love himself." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "And how in the world did you find them?" again on its way. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into if she died from some sudden fright." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It is true that I have been generally successful." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I have seen the police." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. made his money." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw cigars in the box." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Of Friday, June 19th." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the your bag." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Your presence might be invaluable." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle one which it was hard to resist. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the as yours." the matter." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was more solid." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open forecastle of an emigrant ship. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him chance." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Miss Holder?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to that open window." will take you up to see the machine.' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. fishes. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." I was concerned in it." green of the new foliage. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning chamber." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK outside. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The you." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Yes." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "To an end?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to talk it over. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it one else, I think." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It came here." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his bled considerably." "My Mary? Impossible!" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Indeed! Whose, then?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Absolutely none." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "So it appears." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and the colonel ushered me in. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother felt?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he room had already been engaged for us. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such assist you in forming an opinion." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal cause to be." "I am all attention, madam." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "What do you mean?" had picked up in the wood. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me