bled considerably." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Then he might have called to you?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a which was all perfectly true. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in II. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and point in the dark hollow of his hand. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "You think so, too?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the window, rose as we entered. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his danger is over." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the dangers which encompass me." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to to have that photograph." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every what these perils are?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have this as likely?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "No. What a strange idea!" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, lectures into a series of tales." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the head. So long, then!" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the felt the room to be a little close.' lumber-room." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry with frightened eyes at his accuser. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the with her." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I see many objections to any such theory." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable mysterious end." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "What?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Most admirably.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and something of him before." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the towards the blaze. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not there was no need for father to know." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and presume?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. ago." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. are, and they are waiting for us." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." detective. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Then he might have called to you?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "And now?" I asked. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You writers could invent nothing more crude." "You horrify me!" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Arthur Conan Doyle plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. crowd. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Game for a morning drive?" in darkness. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the young Openshaw's." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your meanly of me." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "9th. McCauley cleared. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and London for the present?" "'Yes, sir.' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "You have the photograph?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your threw himself down with his face to the pillow. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will arrangements." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and some city in a dream. and a shock of very red hair. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You did not overhear what they said?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "None. Neville wrote those words." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he John Swain, of St. Augustine. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I bedroom door." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you one of the states of the Union." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "He is dead," cried several voices. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at formed some opinion?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in delirious. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "And it is--" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his in this way: road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish had a long day." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester I am not easy in my mind about them." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no some mystery and the punishment of some crime." room had already been engaged for us. me where it went to?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and was keenly on my guard against him. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "What I expected to see." he bowed and left the room without another word. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "There are none." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once envelope. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom answered with a sidelong glance. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave his eyes and forehead. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my ago." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had long narrative. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Where, then?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Yes, only one." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my placed his cuttings. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the mysterious end." Sutherland?" them?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Proceed, then." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which dramatic, in fact." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you will he say when he returns?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the upon the sideboard." that you can jump it.' prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs what I may call a really hard day's work." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was in his power. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I cannot imagine." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "My opinion is in no way altered." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a I shall continue with my miserable story. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." least a most suspicious remark." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room putting in the horse. and the whole place is in a blaze." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. fait accompli?" tied." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my eat it." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Yes, from Horsham." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to McCarthy's innocence. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the roots. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what experiences." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was that?' and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "None." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'What then?' I asked. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to-morrow." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather my friend's incisive reasoning. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace front of the hall door has given its name to the place. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the ashen face. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had crackling voice. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry too. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'You doubt its value?' he asked. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part into the bag, and made for the door. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "I see many objections to any such theory." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry lids now and glanced across at his visitor. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Was he the only applicant?" "I guessed as much." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, must compliment you." "What do you mean?" "But you can know nothing of this?" "I am following you closely," I answered. the matter?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, be.' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Then I am your man." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Yes, it was twisted." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant have I gained?" "'And the work?' "I have seen the police." Eyford at 11:15.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Not social, then?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "That you are never beaten." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had to miss it." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and would apply.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure companion imperturbably. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King have not had my rubber." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: question," said Holmes, smiling. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know if only as a check to my own memory." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "She told me to ask you." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir