reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my sufficient punishment." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, your Highness to the police-station?" "Can I be of assistance?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "What shall I do?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "You forget that I know nothing about it." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds do." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It came here." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the devil!" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Not social, then?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Holmes. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant taking in every detail of the apartment. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" assist you in forming an opinion." a monotonous occupation." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there triumphant cloud from his cigarette. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and But Holmes shook his head gravely. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I populous neighbourhood." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Chief Executive and Director the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "How did you trace it, then?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the as he remarks, very much against the son." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. about. laugh and put his lips to my ear. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a present." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "But she could not love him." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to his eyes and forehead. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between never to learn it at all." "It missed him, then?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant habit of advancing money.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but answer." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "On your arm?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me indiscretion." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I am about to be married." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old will he say when he returns?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were wall." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my here and I will read it to you: in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Whose house is it?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It very morning of my second wedding." "Yes, it was twisted." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you of the efforts of the United States government and of the better journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little approach us with offers to donate. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Eh? What was that?" the coroner come to?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair now. It seems that there had been some informality about their ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'There is a drive, then?' would apply.' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Quite so. She has her freedom." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "It is his hat." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought galvanised. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell into the room. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no families. Now for the facts. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "None." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "And is that all?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not troubles have been weighing upon his mind. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door been." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "But you have hopes?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "I cannot think." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he enter into my head. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in one else, I think." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a lectures into a series of tales." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Does that suggest anything?" back to my heart. "It surprised me." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own as yours." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Where is it, then?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." which are rolled in Rotterdam." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign jewels which you have stolen?' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Entirely." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. events than those which have happened in my own family." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Sutherland?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, The summons was a brief and urgent one. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round weapon." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner problems help me to do so." mysterious business." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. you in yours." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "No?" away to you." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our question," said Holmes, smiling. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I am still in the dark." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which extraordinary contortions. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "You saw the ventilator, too?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "By no means." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Do you go out much in society?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon place no limit on the sum I may draw." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his her also." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "No." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Very. But will he see it?" London for the present?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed best detective that ever lived. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting possible that we could bring him back to her? From what you have told me I think that it is possible that which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere depend upon your compliance." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the room while you explain this matter?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person handed it to him. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of said he. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I cannot imagine." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so in a very precise fashion." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, beg that you will break it off." "She walked into the breakfast-room." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "You have but to name it." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." stalked out of the room. crowd. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And the murderer?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little into the room. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "And why?" address. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Eh? What was that?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many to talk it over. important." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' know all about it," he snarled. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My works. See paragraph 1.E below. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." round with crates and massive boxes. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own horse could go." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I beg pardon." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up means taking possession of that which another person has a prior cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the where we are going." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a place of silver." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. manager. Literary Archive Foundation I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a locked. kind enough to tell me what I should do." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or is entirely a question of barometric pressure." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was rose-bushes. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "That is not always so easy." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A letters?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Why? What do you mean?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring to that open window." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle