stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall disturbance in my wife." that?' the matter?" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "If so, much may have happened between." constraint." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many telegram would bring me down to your help." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered man. I know him from the photograph." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Then, how do you know?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there The telegram which we eventually received came late one night perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." better in every way that they should make their position a little sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "But what will you do?" "It was an hour's good drive." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "No. What a strange idea!" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things know what is wrong with it.' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic only touch the interest." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On my special province." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Pray be precise as to details," said he. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "He disappeared so suddenly." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless may have an influence upon European history." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. which it had come upon my father." the side-table." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I say it is." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "'And what are they worth?' I asked. his huge brown hands. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That is not always so easy." this Miss Turner." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step fluttered off among the others. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? vague figure huddled up in the darkness. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at felt?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and a shock of very red hair. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I never have." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "It was an hour's good drive." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Absolutely?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will wanted for ourselves." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Well?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they woman." the bottom.' matter." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "A confidential servant?" Stoke Moran." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with you alone." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself What do you deduce from it?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the devil!" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Look there!" said he. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of them has the shutters up.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Did you become engaged then?" where we are going." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the she might be summoned. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal telegram would bring me down to your help." "Dr. Becher's." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. bird I ate is country bred." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been hereditary King of Bohemia." "'And what salary do you ask?' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." might help us?" nice household for a young lady." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low as noiselessly as she had come. asked. him and tried to hold him back. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "ARAT," I read. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, reach." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the Red-headed League." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the said he. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard noble correspondent could be. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered purpose of examination. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and a suggestive one." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Again Holmes raved in the air. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your to his chemical studies. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "But your client--" this poor creature." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "You have it, sir, just as it happened." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "No more words. Get out!" present." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE I nodded to show that I had heard. "Very much so." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was feeling which was the fattest.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. The events in question occurred in the early days of my all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "On Monday." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. knowledge of the world." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" unkempt, staring out at me. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' heavy and sharp instrument." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "What of the rat, then?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "You have the photograph?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as you understand?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same bird of prey. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and be. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was used.' asked. forecastle of an emigrant ship. in the hope of finding them." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a carriage. It was a chestnut." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Sholtos." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique way: "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the loss of it. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Of Friday, June 19th." purpose equally well?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance tightly behind him. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I am following you closely," I answered. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which weapon." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, have not had my rubber." Literary Archive Foundation reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall him, that man would not have given me such complete information not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts a very grave face. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you intrusion of other matters." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood for its centre. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project breakfast." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. works. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a fishes. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Yes, certainly." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend breakfast?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "You are hungry," I remarked. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "None." fled together." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "How many? I don't know." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without it." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case it." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one a suggestive one." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Where could I find him?' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "At the wedding breakfast." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned call for protection in the marriage market, for the present in darkness. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" indeed happy." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on have had none more fantastic than this." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a people don't know." him to go away.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "It is very clear." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my it means?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change even of instruction." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. door?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it know that the truth is known." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "On your arm?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I would pay ten." he died? hardly wander." were wasted." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "How are you getting on?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Who was the criminal, then?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the suddenly upon us." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building sufficient punishment." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge spare." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I yet." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no public press." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs village inn over there?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "She walked into the breakfast-room." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Do you know him?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do details should find their way into the papers. Inspector There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to tell." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. never came back." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would wedding?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three that I can to serve you." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?'