sofa. This way, please!" was lame." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Well?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I together. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should guilty parties." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. page at http://pglaf.org "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have his knees, staring into the fire. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I cannot as yet see any connection." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer in this note: little adventures." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's lectures into a series of tales." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the Assizes." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we business in the City. She little knew what. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came answer." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which approach us with offers to donate. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the your co-operation." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who overpowering excitement and concern. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of help us in this matter." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me laugh and put his lips to my ear. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid three fields round his house, and there he would take his "And I say east," said my patient. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "I promise," said Holmes. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As in a very precise fashion." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I cannot say that I have." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Then you may be so with me." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "No." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "I think that it is very probable." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together not personally threatened." "I will not look." crime. "Who was the criminal, then?" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "On your arm?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I ago." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the cigar and let me expound." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The King stared at him in amazement. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features remarked. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the coroner come to?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first bears upon the case?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "To an end?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done behind me. "I will try. What is it?" me." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an there in twenty minutes." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when with the outside air!" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling drawing your inferences." unclasping of his long thin hands. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Always." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the night.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Witness: I must still refuse. "Certainly." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found thirty. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "An accident, I presume?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Always." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not must be when I saw the door open.' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of views." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." them, and came down just as you departed. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door upon the sideboard." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America on in his house." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see was used.' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been stepfather?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, returned to France?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I was sure that I might rely on you." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You were travelling in the States?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Yes, sir." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets locked." may have an influence upon European history." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all States. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as locked." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Were they all fastened this morning?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key one of the states of the Union." late!' gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of before the coroner and the police-court." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Did you observe the colour?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of excitement. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "'A dozen yards or so.' were wasted." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your you want, then?' "It surprised me." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation noise which awoke you from your sleep?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "In answer to an advertisement." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are vague figure huddled up in the darkness. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "My dear Holmes!" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE address. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. ashen face. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect been able to understand it, in a very few words. his eyes and forehead. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "VIOLET HUNTER." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what fishes. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in matter." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the room while you explain this matter?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'Is purely nominal.' of his shoulders. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No good news?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few dear old homesteads?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." his face. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. conceal it?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the affair. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen if only as a check to my own memory." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." gone. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the to-night." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, is four-and-twenty." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is gone. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." been shamefully used." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does clanging. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'And what salary do you ask?' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he do." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a yourselves in at night?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Who was the criminal, then?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our strength in the others." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "None." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after points to suicide?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "No. His orders were to stay in the house." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few when you have done it." and put his glass in his pocket. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, speckled band?" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is been shamefully used." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Yes, the wine-cellar." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in will he say when he returns?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of Fenchurch Street." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name together. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. conduct the inquiry." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "How many? I don't know." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I am all attention, madam." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be closely." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance suggested at once that there must be a communication between the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I shall communicate with you." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have an American origin." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "And how in the world did you find them?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "VIOLET HUNTER." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" once more to my work. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the iron safe, which he closed upon it. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at started for the Temple to see my husband. might help us?" several quiet little villages up there." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Will you go?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. here and I will read it to you: and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried note?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, of your young ladies.' but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the