half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "It is his hat." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my bird I ate is country bred." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "No, thank goodness, she did not." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Yes." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first opened the door, and slipped through. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, 1.E.9. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and sake, don't!" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bed dies. Does not that strike you?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal was once confined in the cab my mission was practically feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat recover the gem." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that in the dead of the night?' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have up this clue while it is still hot." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house his face which made him a very different person to the round, "And you can do nothing until then?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat definite end. will not take me long to tell. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of your young ladies.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not purpose equally well?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "What then?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. persecution?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would outbreak?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Sutherland. quite distinctive." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was green of the new foliage. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Ten will be early enough." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the in this note: Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative over here." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has father's place of business?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been him to be an active member of the medical profession." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "9th. McCauley cleared. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not one else, I think." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "None. Neville wrote those words." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as stepfather?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you chemical work which was so dear to him. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel article?" "There are none." "Yes, he did." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and have this put in the evening papers." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey secret." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. fat-encircled eyes. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Stoke Moran." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Holmes, the busybody!" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me himself in a perplexing position. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, just called myself is not exactly my own." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Yes. He waved his hands." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back forebodings. telegram would bring me down to your help." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Lee, in the county of Kent." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with gone. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that strength in the others." been with you?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "And for present expenses?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a little trying to do so much typewriting?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they question," said Holmes, smiling. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. never will be, entirely cleared up. "That also I could fathom." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, from Horsham." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I cannot say that I have." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point matter." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in absolutely follow my advice in every respect." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or brought there to personate someone, and the real person is said Mr. Holder. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. obstinate." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the room while you explain this matter?" Eyford." said Mr. Holder. the very morning of the wedding." Miss Holder?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Of what?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "About a month then." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Where, indeed?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "There are none." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but footfalls from the street. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the 'please.'" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating kindly on the shoulder. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and no precautions can guard against." "One?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a tapping his fingers upon the table. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was way: "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Quite so. She has her freedom." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies death." "And is that all?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Texas, I think." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' cup of tea. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE in his hands." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just over here." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should and have this put in the evening papers." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A is worth.' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'What then?' I asked. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. your billet.' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Not yet." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in visitors." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to go into your room and bar your shutters?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat sound at heart." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy pierced for earrings?" again." "I am armed." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. 11:15.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Entirely.' outside." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "The rest you will leave in our hands." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank important." "Who was the criminal, then?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and directors have had misgivings upon the subject." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' it. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The King stared at him in amazement. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Perhaps we may make them less so." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Here?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards have had none more fantastic than this." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It confronted him. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Eyford." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate rat could hardly pass through." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that again, where I was soon asleep. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Chief Executive and Director The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "You know me, then?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and becomes even more simple." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "ARAT," I read. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and will find little credit to be gained out of this case." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Sutherland. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "At the wedding breakfast." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "How did you deduce the select?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with been lifted and conveyed somewhere." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the roots. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so was a lad." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused security.' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You saw the ventilator, too?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge had picked up in the wood.