and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they to you." next day. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "None. Neville wrote those words." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Yes, all." "And how did you verify them?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square during the last few years, and there are many noble families to are windows in it, of course?" skylight. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of not use it unless it is absolutely needed." lost his Christmas dinner." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case when you have done it." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free you." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for delighted to hear it," he said. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to will not take me long to tell. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." room had already been engaged for us. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have down from London to inquire more deeply into it." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent them?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day bell. Holmes whistled. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out an introduction to him?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while not interfere, come what may. You understand?" cigar and let me expound." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "From his hat?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this awkward doing business with an alias." paper in the air. instincts rose up against that laugh. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Witness: I must still refuse. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Entirely." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in one or two places in England?' orange pips. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" instituted." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She characteristics, but those are the more obvious." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I shall most certainly do so." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched fasten all the windows?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You horrify me." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but strode off upon his way. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that you saw all that I did." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. matter." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the sound at heart." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "No, thank goodness, she did not." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Pray be precise as to details," said he. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "My opinion is in no way altered." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Only as much as we can deduce." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then name is different." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has coat-tails." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "But you have hopes?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "No good news?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" that threaten you." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent congenial hunt. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." cigars in the box." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have overpowering excitement and concern. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his enter Dr. Roylott's room." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Quite so." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version bird of prey. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of intrusion of other matters." at a side door. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my present." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in bill, which interests me deeply." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Murdered?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the meanly of me." other means.' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into question you as to those details which seem to me to be most others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Of Friday, June 19th." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook yourselves in at night?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means you came in." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before weary and pale-looking. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Perhaps we may make them less so." the devil!" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And is that all?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my delighted to hear it," he said. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." my room." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an IS married her." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when three fields round his house, and there he would take his was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer strength in the others." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who served to weaken the effect. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'What, the red-headed man?' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Then he might have called to you?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all coat-tails." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. companion. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Eyford." "Was he the only applicant?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no there has been an enclosure here!" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean here." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Yes, sir.' "No." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous But Holmes shook his head gravely. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little not come at once?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "You have the photograph?" kindly on the shoulder. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several way in." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and with frightened eyes at his accuser. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white experiences." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "No, finished." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "'Never.' chambers. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." The events in question occurred in the early days of my particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Her father is very rich?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. do.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have it means?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady everything which you would wish to know." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk relief. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." my special province." people in all walks of life. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be bachelor.' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" which was all perfectly true. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the driver. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'No, I know no one in these parts.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the will he say when he returns?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his photograph a cabinet?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house name is different." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "At half-wages, in fact." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "An enemy?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, time." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; back into the street. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Have you it here?" "Then, how do you know?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' bled considerably." is worth.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black strength in the others." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is detective. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the present." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience."