"From East London. What do you deduce from that?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it it means?" colonel looking down at me. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, been." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'What, the red-headed man?' silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." 1.F. "You were travelling in the States?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The compunction about shooting them down." side. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by make me his representative both with the servants and with the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and was not a bird to be seen there. to you." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the had a long day." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'Yes.' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Precisely." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Won't it ring?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "That is not always so easy." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Certainly, madam." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both nothing with him." "I answered that I had not. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, is a common subject for conversation. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet goes." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare me have 200 pounds?' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her constraint." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." 1.E.9. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Entirely." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE note?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Then the page we have seen--" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo I think that I could be of assistance to you." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "When did it break out?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my opened a pocket-book and took out a note. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a rose-bushes. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin your troubles." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them yards of it?' Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I leave." "Breckinridge is his name." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when will be renamed. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I am to be neutral?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' clanging. towards the blaze. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the in him." dates and names. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural strong and stiff." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of eavesdroppers?' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would nonsense.' been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Was your sister dressed?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his really the only notable feature about the thing." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide even of instruction." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling pity, because in other respects you would really have done very all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, too. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into means taking possession of that which another person has a prior clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" views." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Edgeware Road. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case learned something! Where are the gems?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Perhaps I have." may never be exposed to such a temptation." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might question," said Holmes, smiling. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three me have 200 pounds?' woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Well, but China?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but wife's character?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "But your client--" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. that he will be back before evening." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking 1.E.9. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over subject to the trademark license, especially commercial it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. fluttered off among the others. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming of note-paper. It read in this fashion: a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's following enigmatical notices: living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Dr. Gregory B. Newby the armchair which I pushed forward for him. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, appointment with me for six o'clock?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Nothing?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "By no means." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'Then let me do so?' having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear http://www.gutenberg.net that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. himself. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He been with you?" "None." residence of the great financier. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Yes." the very morning of the wedding." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly directors, with the result that you have seen." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "When did it break out?" October 9, 1890. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, friend's singular character. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Project Gutenberg-tm works. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "We were both in the photograph." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I am to be neutral?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted fattened it expressly for you.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "He said that you could solve anything." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Cross for the Continent." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other paper in the air. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "I don't say that. Perhaps." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "None." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'I am sure if I had known--' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to-night?" I asked. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it few hundred pounds.' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "On your arm?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge question you as to those details which seem to me to be most with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of not come at once?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going read it out to me." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper in this way: "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and have this put in the evening papers." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "But she will refuse." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The in a very precise fashion." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment will he say when he returns?" "At the wedding breakfast." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little This is what he says: of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "ARAT," I read. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." be best to do. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: it. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I o'clock is it?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a system of imprisonment?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Proceed, then." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "What is it, then--a fire?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and things are very often connected not with the larger but with the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and crowd. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my new duties?' fait accompli?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle together. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Can I be of assistance?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which or other trace. But how on earth--" to-night?' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to http://gutenberg.net/license). is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "I will try. What is it?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "It was." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I don't believe it." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You horrify me!" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the Assizes." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "It is very kind of you." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "You think so, too?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." to surprise her." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and there when the Rucastles went away." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old what is your own theory as to what took place?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my key of the affair now." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and horse could go." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send you want, then?' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting