now. It seems that there had been some informality about their for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must beg that you will break it off." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and a shock of very red hair. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any will find little credit to be gained out of this case." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. giving me time to thank him. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a together. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock occurred." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "No, my brougham is waiting." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "The best possible." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "That is it on the dressing-table." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private empty. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Was there a secret marriage?" eat it." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to miss it." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the bottom.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and distinguish the words: can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper use an arc-and-compass breastpin." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE points in connection with it which never have been, and probably possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some thirty. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden goes." "In the cells." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "What do you mean?" Holmes. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "No." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Nothing." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Ten will be early enough." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. crackling voice. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Witness: I must still refuse. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "And you can do nothing until then?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "What then?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Nothing." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the running down." in a friendly supper." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the iron safe, which he closed upon it. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "If I can be of use." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I was sure that I might rely on you." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am such attractions and accomplishments?' to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our a room. "But what harm can there be in that?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I as yours." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "You are all wrong." "I have solved it." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in already referred to. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." certainly do as you advise." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me papers diligently of late, have you not?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." persecution?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my brain must have something in it." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had infinite languor in his face. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in again." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his tell me that you intended to go into harness." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps James Windibank. Voilà tout!" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Game for a morning drive?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here at once, for I have only half an hour." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the where she found matters as described by the last witness. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the fattened it expressly for you.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man http://gutenberg.net/license). rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof cost them two and thirty pounds." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the are windows in it, of course?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "But how?" "Certainly." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the Assizes." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I came to find a friend." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried woven round him. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. compunction about shooting them down." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the bottom.' "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a pound a week." spark where all is dark to me." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "How did you deduce the select?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's digesting their breakfasts at home." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. whether it answered to the description of any of their "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "VIOLET HUNTER." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "And why?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I cannot tell." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered started for the Temple to see my husband. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then yards of it?' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO together. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do leaning back in his chair. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Eyford." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and father's young wife. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She ceremony." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the there is a decided draught." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his in. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Certainly." asked with his eyes open. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the forecastle of an emigrant ship. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Dirty?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Holmes, the busybody!" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for could not have written that. It is the German who is so "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His any little problem which you may submit to me." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the them present such singular features as the strange train of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were residence of the great financier. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he not, dad?" she asked. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "And from a noble client?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which these bleak autumnal evenings." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "His face fell immediately. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. results." I. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, been able to understand it, in a very few words. showing my impatience. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Thank you. Pray proceed." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point everything which you would wish to know." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first felt?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I beg pardon." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your followed. had a long day." Doctor, of the paper and the date." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." his knees, staring into the fire. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Ten to two.' possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Did you observe the colour?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down case before our client came into the room." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "My last client of the sort was a king." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Never." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my man. I know him from the photograph." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we matter." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "VIOLET HUNTER."