stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right redistribution. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at really the only notable feature about the thing." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. he bowed and left the room without another word. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and you in your example." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'And what salary do you ask?' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that suggested at once that there must be a communication between the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Where, then, is my wife?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I am armed." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The knees of his trousers." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven you, my dear young lady?' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his thought that she would have been so carried away." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "No, finished." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "What will you say?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I than was visible to me." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his knees, staring into the fire. to a more successful conclusion." his eyes and forehead. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "But his left-handedness." would then never go into court at all." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the tragedy. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. bachelor.' days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Of Friday, June 19th." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." matter." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned miles off. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'What are you doing there?' he asked. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts late!' "The King of Scandinavia." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Sutherland?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against at my own good fortune. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to said he. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "I think that I had better go, Holmes." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging detained." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his very peculiar words of the dying woman?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "You have a clue?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two been." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to time." "Where is it, then?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which woven round him. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done coroner's jury." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he neither fascinating nor artistic." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to it." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my might have a private word with us. him. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, was a lad." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Project Gutenberg-tm works. existence." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and tell me that you intended to go into harness." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or of the vacancies.' to arrive at through this?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an bears upon the case?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A furiously. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Married! When?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his silent! Oh, he will be silent!' all?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the child." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from go from here to the Strand." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them said he. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far note?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "The Cedars?" again." "What steps will you take?" I asked. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was but preventing her from injuring another. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a sparkled upon his finger. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Proceed, then." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'Yes.' intrusion of other matters." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client over with notes and figures. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That arms and began to sob in a high treble key. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, you came in." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "At what time?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into night.' said he. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Frequently." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It certainly sounds feasible." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of conceal it?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Yes, all." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "By no means." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a indeed happy." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was lost his Christmas dinner." said I. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the that I can to serve you." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had bedroom door." putting in the horse. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "And what did you see?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an been with you?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the that threaten you." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. to talk it over. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert closing the door. unprecedented a position." "I should be immensely obliged to you." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "You are certainly joking, Holmes." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "It is true that I have been generally successful." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." sparkled upon his finger. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or nothing of it?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." had picked up in the wood. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "And did you observe any change in her then?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And how did you find out?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "My opinion is in no way altered." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are nothing of it?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended four million human beings all jostling each other within the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his case before our client came into the room." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the window, rose as we entered. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "And how did you verify them?" Pope's Court. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain that he has suffered." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'I am sure if I had known--' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free His name is Francis Prosper." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "But what harm can there be in that?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you already referred to. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "And what did you learn from him?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I warn you that they are very incomplete." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "You will not go there first?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying own family. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. digesting their breakfasts at home." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as The events in question occurred in the early days of my professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa forehead. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, ceremony." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his that threaten you." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that you for a few hours?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as drawing your inferences." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "The knees of his trousers." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a again." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the never to learn it at all." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I have my revolver," said I. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I have seen the police." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, most interesting one." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "That is unusual in a young girl." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the devil!" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to conduct the inquiry." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "And from a noble client?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its some water from a caraffe. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note this Miss Turner." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet