I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town hands. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were had a long day." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a his huge brown hands. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Here?" meant." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Dark enough and sinister enough." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper matter." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by was not a bird to be seen there. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a papers diligently of late, have you not?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the matter?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that character. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Which are?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I am about to be married." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my be there in time for your coming." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done down. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "What is it?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the side-table." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Yes, certainly." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "And did you observe any change in her then?" and the whole place is in a blaze." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." to-morrow." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money late." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, maid will bring up your coffee." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We photograph?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the his wife has ceased to love him." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It looks newer than the other things?" is worth.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "One of the highest in England." "But your client--" you." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the gentleman's clothes. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' voice. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps place of silver." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the furiously. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there promised to bring home. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled I have it here in my museum." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am of it with the greatest attention. "Witness: Nothing definite. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Precisely." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to http://www.gutenberg.net greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided occurred." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." The King stared at him in amazement. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "And why?" memory. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had it means?" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that address. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the always that they were such commands as a lady might with of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the to his chemical studies. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about character. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in three fields round his house, and there he would take his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Holmes." "How do you know, then?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great affair. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the words came to my lips. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" has little to do with my story." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very it." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Was he the only applicant?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "But who is he?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room you." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And sit in the dark?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled him nearly every evening." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the warnings." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock you want, then?' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man charge against him will break down." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a all that?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." about. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. keep the flames under. "I was mad--insane." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend reach." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "VIOLET HUNTER." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, promised to bring home. nonsense.' that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" wanted for ourselves." telegram would bring me down to your help." to surprise her." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I cannot tell." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Not social, then?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at there has been an enclosure here!" straighten it?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And now?" I asked. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp as noiselessly as she had come. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant good-night and bustled off upon her way. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "By all means." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas she used." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled several quiet little villages up there." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "None." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the knowledge of the world." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face meanly of me." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Yes." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable learned something! Where are the gems?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "So I heard. You have him here?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were behind me. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "9th. McCauley cleared. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, letters?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which me upon any point which I do not make clear." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "That sounds a little paradoxical." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon invisible to me," I remarked. "Perfectly so." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Where did he live, then?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an that you saw all that I did." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk said he. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a place of silver." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For acted in my house last night?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "What are they?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of his shoulders. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and files of the old papers, following the future career of every think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor sit on the left-hand side of the driver." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the door?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when to have that photograph." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have It may be so in this case, also." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "We were both in the photograph." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Street. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual society." him. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. distinguish the words: doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest have had none more fantastic than this." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience you came in." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to only touch the interest." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An there were so many in the whole country as were brought together discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and once more to my work. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Yes." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was digesting their breakfasts at home." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I exactly what you advise." galvanised. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Then he might have called to you?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "But what will you do?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another photograph?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of shoulder. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Then I shall certainly come." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "But she will refuse." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible character. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Then how many are there?" to change my dress. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I am armed." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Eyford at 11:15.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I guessed as much." "I will get her to show me." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Yes." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look putting in the horse. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the child." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. you?' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and ordinary clothes on?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can