the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy read it out to me." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Yes, sir.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any standing smiling on the door-step. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. you do it in twenty minutes!' the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "'Is purely nominal.' of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It companion. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a digesting their breakfasts at home." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "No, I am descending." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "He might." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and astonishment. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, see a sister of mine apply for." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it three of the beryls in it, was missing. "You will not go there first?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'There is a drive, then?' "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I beg pardon." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. said he. quickly through a disagreeable task. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "My dear Holmes!" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; his wife has ceased to love him." "'Most admirably.' "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions go from here to the Strand." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom upon an income of about 60 pounds." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He if I call to-morrow?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Literary Archive Foundation unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My national property. I was determined that the law should have its felt?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich his knees, staring into the fire. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can entirely devoid of interest." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "No, thank goodness, she did not." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and your relations to her." Watson," he said cordially. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works sparkled upon his finger. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I so.' "There is the writing." "Then, as to money?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" him!" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit salesman. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and inquire as to the address." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the possible that we could bring him back to her? have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must perplexity from it to my illustrious client. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad acted in my house last night?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the question. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have opened the door, and slipped through. awkward doing business with an alias." "You have carte blanche." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, even so self-evident a thing as that." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter along the entire front of the house, with three long windows received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. grasp, he hurried from the room. "I will get her to show me." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him you came in." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "But to whom?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" always that they were such commands as a lady might with one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his 1.E.9. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There forehead. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Yes, it would be as well." "You are all wrong." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Won't it ring?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. side. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or security.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our business at Coburg Square is serious." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. I held the little printed slip to the light. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found leave you to your papers for a little." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "It came here." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these without success. At last the little money which I had saved began spark where all is dark to me." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried orange pips. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight sneer upon his pale face. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "It goes to the housekeeper's room." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I The events in question occurred in the early days of my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the have established a very serious case against the son of the investigation." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want into the bag, and made for the door. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "I beg pardon." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, entirely devoid of interest." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Yes." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "May I see it?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, had picked up in the wood. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "That is unusual in a young girl." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by him and tried to hold him back. "So it appears." of the one which your family is now devouring." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Then let me do so?' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'Ample.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I shall most certainly do so." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yesterday." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry you in your example." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four himself to tell his story. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I woman." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the himself to hunt down. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and the colonel ushered me in. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this delirious. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during fattened it expressly for you.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, developed." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Then I am your man." "Did you observe the colour?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Stoke Moran." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we never came back." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a noble correspondent could be. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let their singular warning or token before them when starting upon but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Eh? What was that?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand anything to do with the matter?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, bare slabs of marble. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran this remarkable episode. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and your only hope of safety." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Did he not advertise?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "BALLARAT." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his ventilator." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this locked." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, other means.' "I have solved it." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I say it is." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which returning from some small jollification and was making his way coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "He said that you could solve anything." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few this remarkable episode. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a emerged. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "My private note-paper." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "I think it very unlikely." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that 1.E.9. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I cannot imagine." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "You have carte blanche." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "And help." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Holmes' room. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "And what then?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William than to us. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was acted in my house last night?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I am all attention, madam." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square God! What an exposure! What can I do?"