"Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which should have the effect of calling the attention of the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some nights." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you quick march!" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Do you go out much in society?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Then I can wait in the next room." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "What is it, then--a fire?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Seven!" I answered. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to get her out of the way." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual gbnewby@pglaf.org suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the coronet at all injured?" "Ha! you find it so?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Ten to two.' "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' official police." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Mrs. Toller serenely. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "How can you tell that?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Did your wife hear all this?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Yes." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those think, you have already met." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman vanished into the darkness. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I where she found matters as described by the last witness. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar had this final quarrel? occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' not come at once?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly that weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." colour had been driven from his face. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a very morning of my second wedding." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. both be extremely obliged.' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, wedding?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "At what time?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the salesman. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the tragedy. me where it went to?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some excitement. trifles." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as retorted upon me, and I on you." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to in his power. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform may never be exposed to such a temptation." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my peculiar to him. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Never to return." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in indeed which he could not unravel. "Come in!" said he. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It was an hour's good drive." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Certainly." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking second window is the one that I jumped from." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of recover the gem." unkempt, staring out at me. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "What do you make of that, Watson?" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of fine shops and stately business premises that they really I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, indeed which he could not unravel. "Your presence might be invaluable." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "You'll never persuade me to believe that." if she died from some sudden fright." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the room while you explain this matter?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the stones. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion felt the room to be a little close.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman tell me that you intended to go into harness." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior speckled band?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Could he throw no light?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Holmes' face clouded over. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, him and tried to hold him back. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really fled together." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the window, rose as we entered. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net remarked. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until into the room. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be look dissatisfied." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. sufficient punishment." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the stones. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Holmes, the busybody!" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my I shall continue with my miserable story. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Entirely." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." is now desirous of getting those letters back." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project unprecedented a position." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Then how many are there?" carried out of court." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite there." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large this Miss Turner." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'And the work?' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a was keenly on my guard against him. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "No." into the bag, and made for the door. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "ARAT," I read. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the so-precious time, but come!' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Then you may entirely rely on me." The King stared at him in amazement. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Yes, sir.' Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not brandy and water within his reach. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a your most interesting statement." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and me upon any point which I do not make clear." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of telegram would bring me down to your help." his face. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would window when the police appeared." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I saw her in conversation with her maid." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the morning and make my own way in the world.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its never to learn it at all." not personally threatened." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other past. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Ample." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was think that any burglar could have done. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or thought that she would have been so carried away." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. there has been an enclosure here!" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I walking." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "So I am. Very much so." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of this man was intellectual?" "I know where it is." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. to-morrow." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, seem to you to be relevant or not." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as of Fenchurch Street." clang of the bell. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been was not a bird to be seen there. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "And help." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "How did he come?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Yes." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "That also I could fathom." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to respectable self." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I maiden herself was most instructive." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the address that was given us in the advertisement. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. young Openshaw's." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from a monotonous occupation." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited and looked back. your Highness to the police-station?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an which I could not give. He asked for Alice. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Heh?' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us coat-tails." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Here?" which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Precisely so. But how--" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest guilty parties." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the strength of mind to control. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one It may be so in this case, also." "Yes." of the vacancies.' my special province." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His then?" cigars in their mouths. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "But his left-handedness." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. digesting their breakfasts at home." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider might help us?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to