searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and inquire as to the address." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I am about to be married." "Yes." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring nonsense.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had that sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work said he. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not down. I held the little printed slip to the light. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I beg pardon." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "But you can know nothing of this?" "If I can be of use." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time foresight and the moral retrogression?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the coronet in his hand?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, thirty. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, as yours." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers wife's character?" galvanised. "'Yes.' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Then, as to money?" "Get out!" said he. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the night.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw hand, madam?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which during the last few years, and there are many noble families to drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor highly," said Holmes. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations should be taken.' way in." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for learned something! Where are the gems?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday have accepted such a situation. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black *** START: FULL LICENSE *** sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that them?" him!" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in the port of London." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You saw the ventilator, too?" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and wanted for ourselves." "No?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" she might be summoned. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide burst out into a roar of laughter. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in the port of London." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, I had a dozen." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Certainly." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Ample.' "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the and inquire as to the address." "I should like to see him very much." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to-night." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that there was nothing in it, after all." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I don't believe it." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be writers could invent nothing more crude." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to best detective that ever lived. "That sounds a little paradoxical." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'Yes, I promise.' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I am following you closely," I answered. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, showing my impatience. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need about here speaks of his kindness to him." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client when you have done it." business came to an end." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding some terrible trap for her." "Yes. He waved his hands." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "In heaven's name, what for?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' taking in every detail of the apartment. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I will, Miss Turner." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "My photograph." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the rat could hardly pass through." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside discontent upon his features. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be than was visible to me." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "The King of Scandinavia." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" present." I nodded again. was used.' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' quickly through a disagreeable task. within hail.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Game for a morning drive?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "To the police?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" chance at all." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Now, then, what's the last entry?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Sutherland?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His hand, madam?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and your relations to her." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I cannot as yet see any connection." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from you?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United come either from the window or the door. My attention was had picked up in the wood. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And how have you succeeded?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the way: it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire not fit the lock." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "That was it, sir." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at chair. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Entirely." once more to my work. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." late." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Holmes' thin, eager face. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. this remarkable episode. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Will you go?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been said he. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a strong and stiff." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he present strange and interesting features that it is no easy son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Perhaps I have." been with you?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. followed. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Seven!" I answered. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Then how many are there?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might him to be an active member of the medical profession." I approached. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always that you saw all that I did." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the devil!" goes." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly whether it answered to the description of any of their and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. married her." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as companion imperturbably. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope that threaten you." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, wanted for ourselves." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "I fear not." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my was shining brightly. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ morning." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "And I." "But you have hopes?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a characteristics, but those are the more obvious." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported opportunities to fix the problem. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "And how in the world did you find them?" I. "Yes, I have one waiting." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." returning from some small jollification and was making his way his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Then, as to money?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "How many? I don't know." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Very truly yours, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend lamp in his hand. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "My dear Holmes!" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I say that I have solved it." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of used to be." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me everything which you would wish to know." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'Which dealer's?' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the at once, for I have only half an hour." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "It is very kind of you." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or me. You must get home instantly and act." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "My opinion is in no way altered." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Pray do so." "I never have." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account your bag." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond in his hands." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in as noiselessly as she had come. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "None." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "But what will you do?" "I don't believe it." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have