"'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Why serious?" "The vanishing of the lady." "And your mother is alive?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a following enigmatical notices: similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "It is solved." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he this remarkable episode. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet on re-entering her father's house?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried learned something! Where are the gems?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon kind enough to tell me what I should do." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand you found me to-night--and running through the front room she upon an income of about 60 pounds." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Which are?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." directors, with the result that you have seen." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Very good.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Well, but China?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Count Von Kramm." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to said I. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line it." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you signal between you and your father? side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the detective. was lame." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the forebodings. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Were they all fastened this morning?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the Doctor, of the paper and the date." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I will not look." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the seem to you to be relevant or not." weighed down with some great anxiety. second." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped correct than the official force." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door be. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond in darkness. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little that you wished to speak to me?' interest. They are important, you understand, without being the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" be best to do. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in strode off upon his way. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that is," said he presently: did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Yes, he did." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest him and tried to hold him back. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I am sure." when your master had gone out." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, province." "Very. But will he see it?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "You have carte blanche." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." his face which made him a very different person to the round, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress in the dead of the night?' meanly of me." "And on what day did he meet his death?" "No." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I see no marks." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." strode off upon his way. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It must be recovered." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "She showed me, as I told you she would." a good hundred miles off by now." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "But what harm can there be in that?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "And who is her maid?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "You don't mind breaking the law?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is front of me. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just forehead. never will be, entirely cleared up. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Nearly eleven." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it God! What an exposure! What can I do?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the seen the man in the road." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and no precautions can guard against." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow upon an income of about 60 pounds." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the running down." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. have accepted such a situation. was a loud and authoritative tap. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 there was no need for father to know." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had stammered. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in it." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "My own seal." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I to take care of herself." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I think it very unlikely." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Ten will be early enough." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Yes." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "And Irene Adler?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sneer upon his pale face. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case exactly what you advise." "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went wall." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of fait accompli?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, peculiar to him. "How did you trace it, then?" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Frequently." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "She walked into the breakfast-room." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was criminal. We have already had experience of such." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You were travelling in the States?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some written, and locked the door of the office after me. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither off." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I your sleep?' Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "No, I had a dozen." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Street. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "But to whom?" noble correspondent could be. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the occurred." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips gone before you can get him to hospital." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Seven!" I answered. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, nonsense.' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did a very grave face. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "And how?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Yes." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "But how will you look?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his of this gang." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began fishes. "Well, but China?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "It is his hat." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a roused himself from his reverie. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven his grey eyes. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 'please.'" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though less than 26s. 4d. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "So I am. Very much so." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't this truth that in these little records of our cases which you words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential point in the dark hollow of his hand. in this way: what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'How far from the body?' gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "What have you to say now?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to appeared upon the scene." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers or in danger--" your billet.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "He is still with you, I presume?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Absolutely none." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Did your wife hear all this?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no weighed down with some great anxiety. a suggestive one." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I will do it." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Witness: It was. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears guilty one." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "The rest you will leave in our hands." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that call for it in person on Monday morning.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." The King stared at him in amazement. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. used to be." assist you in forming an opinion." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been not use it unless it is absolutely needed." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety you." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor.