been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work quite distinctive." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes, certainly." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly attention." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. it. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." article?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the will he say when he returns?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "'Yes, sir.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." giving me time to thank him. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help could gather together that I was able to avert another public When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Witness: Nothing definite. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to letters?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The business in the City. She little knew what. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, sufficient punishment." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders subject to the trademark license, especially commercial there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of question," said Holmes, smiling. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this something of him before." your Highness to the police-station?" furiously. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' been shamefully used." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more business at Coburg Square is serious." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to that he will be back before evening." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well late!' hard-headed British jury." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" room. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "It is possible." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still wife's character?" "There are none." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his huge brown hands. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms better in every way that they should make their position a little accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the them?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was indiscretion." envelope. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. more solid." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, business came to an end." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his obstinate." unprofitable." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but do you make of it all?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in furiously. past. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so easy-going way." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of it with the greatest attention. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived if she died from some sudden fright." away to you." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since gives a meaning to it." "That is it on the dressing-table." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and instincts rose up against that laugh. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "None." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform to a light-house. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the his huge brown hands. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. into the room. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my these bleak autumnal evenings." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all imbecility!" he cried. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "No, distinctly professional." he died? "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria tell me that you intended to go into harness." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. there is a decided draught." "But how?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I see no marks." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few confronted him. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know that you can jump it.' with her." interested in these little problems, and since you are good could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "No." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, window when the police appeared." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Quite so. She has her freedom." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a goes." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a entirely lost his self-respect." derbies." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a do you make of it all?" "She will not sell." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than purpose equally well?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Certainly." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work photograph a cabinet?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and investigation." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. shaken than I had ever seen him. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed he died? From what you have told me I think that it is possible that this unhappy family?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Yes." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "It is no ordinary one." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I miles off. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, place of silver." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have weapon." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly side. "I should be immensely obliged to you." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be back to my heart. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he someone who had been in Australia." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from friend's singular character. him." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case out of this horrible affair." ran thus: test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant someone who had been in Australia." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of fattened it expressly for you.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone works. See paragraph 1.E below. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And what did you see?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not II. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Whose house is it?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, But Holmes shook his head gravely. DISSOLVED. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "When did it break out?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my as noiselessly as she had come. happened." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Murdered?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis your Highness to the police-station?" developed." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Not him." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'I have already given you my word.' fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'Most admirably.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that dead, shall be safe with us." least a fellow-countryman. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'I have heard so.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Where, indeed?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." himself in a perplexing position. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master strength." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Not social, then?" following enigmatical notices: copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I will get her to show me." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had matter over." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. asked with his eyes open. "Then I can wait in the next room." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I minor matters until to-morrow." seem to you to be relevant or not." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in new acquaintance to Baker Street. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Arthur Conan Doyle "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a extraordinary contortions. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Doctor, of the paper and the date." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young speckled band?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet even so self-evident a thing as that." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" copied or distributed: and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the trifles." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "None." "Perhaps I have." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. it were putty." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked chair. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the possible that we could bring him back to her? came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES ***