and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of his shoulders. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. with the outside air!" take the flies, but not before." at home. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "And when will you call?" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has business?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then is worth.' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'What, the red-headed man?' "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "How did that help you?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson himself to tell his story. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "The King of Scandinavia." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "But who is he?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and may have an influence upon European history." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "To the police?" his eyes and forehead. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Did you become engaged then?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds against a man in the prime of life?" "You are all wrong." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Project Gutenberg-tm works. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Was she in good spirits?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "That you are never beaten." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late The summons was a brief and urgent one. his wife has ceased to love him." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "ARAT," I read. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "What?" he died? "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I have a cab outside." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Have you it here?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the tragedy. brandy and water within his reach. papers on the sundial.'" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Holmes, the busybody!" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "A client, then?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Not him." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said works. See paragraph 1.E below. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be is now desirous of getting those letters back." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Yes, it would be as well." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is child?' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his from the brougham. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was past. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "His face fell immediately. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." think, you have already met." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" if she died from some sudden fright." and looked back. "Thank you. And your address?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'What, the red-headed man?' Edgeware Road. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off you." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Come in!" said he. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his forehead." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own with you alone." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have more solid." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Project Gutenberg-tm works. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Do you know him?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Yes, all." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to shall not find me ungrateful." mystery." minor matters until to-morrow." is," said he presently: separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, interest. They are important, you understand, without being were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Pray continue your narrative." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the following enigmatical notices: you." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "It is true that I have been generally successful." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "'And the work?' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the stones. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has throat." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Your sister is dead, then?" green of the new foliage. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no your billet.' from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She for and were ordered to this address. to-night?" I asked. of your young ladies.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "His face fell immediately. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Street. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent chair. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and it." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, you came in." "What! You do not mean bodies?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send lids now and glanced across at his visitor. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" late." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary colour had been driven from his face. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in his power. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow at once, for I have only half an hour." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella highroad, where all traces were lost. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the wanted for ourselves." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the could gather together that I was able to avert another public posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied shoulder; "he's all right." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "What is it?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in unclasping of his long thin hands. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Yes, sir.' lost his Christmas dinner." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few did not hear it also.' would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I hurried by. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Witness: I must still refuse. "Deserted you?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Your French gold?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the very letters. But what is this written above them?' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the written, and locked the door of the office after me. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some once more to my work. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Is he quiet?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry only touch the interest." "Yes." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. it with his own hands." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'Yes, sir.' newspaper selections." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight The events in question occurred in the early days of my I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end into the bag, and made for the door. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a a room. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with my former friend and companion. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of was shining brightly. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. stood on the top of it. "I should wish to." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well bachelor.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Doctor, of the paper and the date." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yes, at the mines." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." your co-operation." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Quite so. She has her freedom." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case orange pips. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my hands. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Not I." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. knowledge of the world." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "The best possible." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Then how many are there?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both know what is wrong with it.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. then?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I cannot imagine." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal upon the shelf for the interim." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "He is still with you, I presume?" fuss that is made over them." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? get her out of the way." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I he bowed and left the room without another word. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting be.' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me you for a few hours?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," giving me time to thank him. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of you." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "About a month then." and the colonel ushered me in. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been