really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy absorbing." "I cannot as yet see any connection." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Heh?' "You are all wrong." "Then how many are there?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and him and tried to hold him back. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and put his glass in his pocket. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your From what you have told me I think that it is possible that it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him anything to do with the matter?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of read over the extraordinary announcement. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "One of the highest in England." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Stolen." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, national property. I was determined that the law should have its distance from the station, and there we found the young lady believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any once more. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old some city in a dream. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'Where could I find him?' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales never will be, entirely cleared up. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But on in his house." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Nothing." interested in these little problems, and since you are good who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is hopeless attempt at recovering them." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sholtos." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Texas, I think." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are papers." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads distinguish the words: round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our had died away into the silence from which it rose. morning." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "May I see it?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It is true that I have been generally successful." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to talk it over. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging and wait." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "How many? I don't know." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to leave you to your papers for a little." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own chamber." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "But his lameness?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Then let me do so?' me. You must get home instantly and act." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, this Miss Turner." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "No, I am descending." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down unprofitable." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there it. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers which we had just quitted. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Not in the least." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of States. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been already been minutely examined." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is is worth.' developed." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do His smile broadened. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "But what is it you wish?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their situation." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." know what is wrong with it.' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl go back?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the narrative." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the depend upon your compliance." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to him and tried to hold him back. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "That was it, sir." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be question. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do strength in the others." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "10th. John Swain cleared. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and your co-operation." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "I say it is." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very true." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "No." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and strode off upon his way. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without head. So long, then!" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All than to us. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the iron safe, which he closed upon it. to arrive at through this?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of have not had my rubber." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had awaited us upon the table. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her him, that man would not have given me such complete information It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears who was a member of your goose club." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small disappearance of the bride.'" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "When did it break out?" "What, then?" may have an influence upon European history." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "She told me to ask you." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird if she died from some sudden fright." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Pray continue your narrative." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and problems help me to do so." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Was your sister dressed?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up his face. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid heavy and sharp instrument." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Perhaps I have." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and clang of the bell. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next from the brougham. results." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and inquire as to the address." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Come in!" said he. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of yourselves in at night?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I answered that I had not. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the fatally injured? prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "And the murderer?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "One?" "By no means." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes, at the mines." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project attention." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Pope's Court. the house with me." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if cigars in their mouths. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Absolutely?" man. I know him from the photograph." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless national property. I was determined that the law should have its 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly experiences." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, case before our client came into the room." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a John Swain, of St. Augustine. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To seen the man in the road." as noiselessly as she had come. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would said he. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "How do you know, then?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the best of training." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. learned something! Where are the gems?" 'please.'" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we name is different." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. think you a quite exceptional woman." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "One of the highest in England." indeed happy." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire eat it." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Well, it is a possible supposition." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and a shock of very red hair. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." that I can to serve you." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, train.' "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note fact, we may call it conclusive." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of prison!" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, such attractions and accomplishments?' a good hundred miles off by now." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. cup of tea. your most interesting statement." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a you, my dear young lady?' preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face