"Oh! you have seen inside, then?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'Not at all. I only doubt--' giving me time to thank him. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'And the work?' Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a grasp, he hurried from the room. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved o'clock is it?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Witness: It was. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that he has suffered." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "The doctor?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. will not take me long to tell. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. it. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid imbecility!" he cried. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held towards the blaze. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out never to learn it at all." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever danger is over." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Stolen, then." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "What do you mean?" again before evening." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in with frightened eyes at his accuser. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. hopeless attempt at recovering them." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. for the market.' kindly on the shoulder. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS photograph a cabinet?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of what these perils are?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I as yours." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** see a sister of mine apply for." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I don't believe it." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." if I call to-morrow?" "It looks newer than the other things?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "And now?" He raised his hand. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Not I." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "At what time?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I don't say that. Perhaps." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." a room. to take care of herself." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just during the last few years, and there are many noble families to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Which dealer's?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed thin legs towards the fire. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "I guessed as much." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Not I." "He is dead," cried several voices. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured brandy and water within his reach. himself to tell his story. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "But what is it you wish?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the loss of it. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Who was the criminal, then?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large you?' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Lee, in the county of Kent." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the such attractions and accomplishments?' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination tail." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, The events in question occurred in the early days of my air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the morning." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Why did you beat the pavement?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon a monotonous occupation." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, to have been novel and of interest." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence over his head with a sweet womanly caress. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and definite end. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "What can it mean?" I gasped. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "And on what day did he meet his death?" all that?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "You were travelling in the States?" "'Very good.' a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Cross for the Continent." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Absolutely?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Yes, they were peculiar boots." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Pray let us have it, for all that." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a of Fenchurch Street." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it room. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As was shining brightly. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I happened." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was business at Coburg Square is serious." do.' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the armchair which I pushed forward for him. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own not as remarkable as your advertisement." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Lee, in the county of Kent." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate wedding?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." go back?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A me." desk. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' row." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have husband's writing, madam." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age side. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless drawing your inferences." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a little adventures." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the house with me." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between place of silver." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The King stared at him in amazement. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, would apply.' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I cannot say that I have." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "You know me, then?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, fire. You quite follow me?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "What office?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a ways of our fellow-men." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a written. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the date of his supposed suicide." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a might help us?" absorbing." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at have accepted such a situation. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "The landlord of the Alpha." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus call for it in person on Monday morning.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" do.' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as secret." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "No, distinctly professional." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the in him." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with chance." then?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Pray let us have it, for all that." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the warnings." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax threw himself down with his face to the pillow. if only as a check to my own memory." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the stable lane now." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "But she will refuse." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" it. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "No, my brougham is waiting." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Deserted you?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "What are they?" chance at all." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy I was concerned in it." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." made his money." "At half-wages, in fact." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from washing it down with a long draught of water. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the matter over." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit then?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed vault. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "But how could you guess what the motive was?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, locked." Surrey." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but the King without delay." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go have an American origin." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "At what time?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly