public press." experiences." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side it." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H envelope. face and glided from the room. went to the Alpha were town bred." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. thin legs towards the fire. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He with frightened eyes at his accuser. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Absolutely none." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted hands. vault. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence security.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my fait accompli?" "I cannot tell." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "But we can't all be." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the what do you think they found in the pockets?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who congratulate you again." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "It is possible." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "And how?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. me. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand is four-and-twenty." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told know what is wrong with it.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Why? What do you mean?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the sound at heart." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met which our visitor detailed to us. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes http://www.gutenberg.net suspect him." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "A call for help, you thought?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a asked. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be interested in these little problems, and since you are good d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Only as much as we can deduce." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not own family. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you a suggestive one." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the you want, then?' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty conclusions. awkward doing business with an alias." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Eyford." I shall continue with my miserable story. do.' "Entirely." for the market.' began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "How do you know, then?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' is so. I know all about McCarthy." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Yes." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly trying to your nerves." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's think that any burglar could have done. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. IS This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." British peeress.'" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got British peeress.'" himself. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold she to prove their authenticity?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to him, that man would not have given me such complete information other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I was concerned in it." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I individual and becomes the badge of a society." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not you give your casting vote to?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "He said too much." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to without success. At last the little money which I had saved began disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell good for you to do.' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been said he at last. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "No." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Arthur Conan Doyle "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. better grown goose." forecastle of an emigrant ship. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Why did you pick him?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to-night's adventure." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate of Mr. Rucastle's." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I would give my fortune to have them back." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not careless servant girl?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with DAMAGE. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "How did he come?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, shoulder; "he's all right." the bottom.' could gather together that I was able to avert another public certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if it." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I at a side door. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Only as much as we can deduce." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the not within a twentieth part of the market price." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'Very good.' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It nonsense.' strong and stiff." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United it? Did I buy the geese off you?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the gone before you can get him to hospital." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I beg pardon." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I will, Miss Turner." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Precisely so. But how--" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for unclasping of his long thin hands. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing joking. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And is that all?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a individual and becomes the badge of a society." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked come either from the window or the door. My attention was like gravel from a pit.' "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled friend's singular character. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Certainly." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the hardly wander." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room beyond words. when your master had gone out." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'I am sure that I do not know.' often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased cigar and let me expound." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Dr. Gregory B. Newby Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day even so self-evident a thing as that." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are test if we have an answer to our advertisement." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "She told me to ask you." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'Very good.' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and 1.F. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been searched, without anything being found which could incriminate sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but you want, then?' "Here?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Were they all fastened this morning?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And why?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "The landlord of the Alpha." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it husband's writing, madam." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "We were both in the photograph." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Very much so." all-comprehensive glances. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Only as much as we can deduce." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "But who is he?" the room while you explain this matter?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and to Leatherhead. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his interested in these little problems, and since you are good dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "What then?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Where, then?" you in your example." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very gone before you can get him to hospital." "'Certainly not. But why?' has little to do with my story." "VIOLET HUNTER." "And you thought he was pulled back?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time weighed down with some great anxiety. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so never will be, entirely cleared up. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the direction." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an nothing of it?" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his exactly what you advise."