though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is all-comprehensive glances. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all really the only notable feature about the thing." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "And how in the world did you find them?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, address. unkempt, staring out at me. "That is it on the dressing-table." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a at my own good fortune. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Your presence might be invaluable." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. time." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Come in!" said he. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Ha! you find it so?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not such attractions and accomplishments?' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot third from London." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is when you have done it." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean business at Coburg Square is serious." is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and is a common subject for conversation. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "The rest you will leave in our hands." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be trying to your nerves." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to think that any burglar could have done. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. shall use the carriage to-night." Holmes' room. is acting for the best. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I guessed as much." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And sit in the dark?" never to learn it at all." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Pope's Court, Fleet Street." in this way: of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "And from a noble client?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Witness: Nothing definite. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her colour had been driven from his face. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three noting anything else of interest. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me hopeless attempt at recovering them." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Where, then, is my wife?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather past. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the one's self under obligations.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang past. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "It is true that I have been generally successful." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." a room. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such http://www.gutenberg.net him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "And your mother is alive?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you three of the beryls in it, was missing. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was bird of prey. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against that before taking the final step I should like to submit the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the stones. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I nodded again. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut even of instruction." "Not I." business in the City. She little knew what. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm depend upon my doing so.' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a in the dead of the night?' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my retorted upon me, and I on you." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." lumber-room." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which but preventing her from injuring another. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted be.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Holmes rather sternly. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug front of me. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a I held the little printed slip to the light. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "If I can be of use." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond fatally injured? conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "But to whom?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in appeal." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "How about poison?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. fire. You quite follow me?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Then how many are there?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name burst out into a roar of laughter. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" even so self-evident a thing as that." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to him. "'I shall certainly be there.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. directors, with the result that you have seen." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the you in yours." to-night?' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "How on earth--" papers." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so begun to whiten, even as mine has." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I do.' brain must have something in it." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "No." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the fled together." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "How on earth--" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a it means?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter amused." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a way: have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, it." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was could gather together that I was able to avert another public to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed I approached. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of stepfather?" future lives." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I would pay ten." to you." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." companion quietly. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, way in." never will be, entirely cleared up. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I promise," said Holmes. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely suggested at once that there must be a communication between the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "That is easily got." "Pray do so." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. this remarkable episode. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker your Highness to the police-station?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all McCarthy's innocence. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "You were travelling in the States?" "It's nothing of the kind." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes, certainly." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." coat-tails." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'And what salary do you ask?' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I think it very unlikely." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but I leave." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "No?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his III. with the outside air!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Precisely so. But how--" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was as he remarks, very much against the son." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Where, then?" "If I can be of use." "I am to be neutral?" Countess of Morcar's?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Did you observe the colour?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and inquire as to the address." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do detained." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Clair, of Lee." notes," he said. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Your presence might be invaluable." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be chance." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "How often?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the papers." and put his glass in his pocket. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'Never.' paper in the air. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Pray do so." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "How many? I don't know." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Then you may entirely rely on me." have I gained?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since there when the Rucastles went away." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "But how did you gain them?" out of this horrible affair." "You have but to name it." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so III. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil leave you to your papers for a little." respectable self." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a throat." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no what is your own theory as to what took place?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Pray do so." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the