astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I will try. What is it?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided better grown goose." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a had a long day." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Here?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Ample." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and unclasping of his long thin hands. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. to talk it over. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and wait." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. companion. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, instituted." "But what is it you wish?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I have my revolver," said I. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "And Irene Adler?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Then, how do you know?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Very truly yours, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Foundation because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Sutherland?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the was feeling which was the fattest.' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm will he say when he returns?" a very grave face. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a ashen face. it." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "You are hungry," I remarked. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually any." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for hard-headed British jury." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My your billet.' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left about. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and might have a private word with us. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" you." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and effective." papers diligently of late, have you not?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a other lovers by making love himself." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, papers on the sundial.'" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but distance from the station, and there we found the young lady framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I should wish to." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so to arrive at through this?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and recover the gem." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "None. Neville wrote those words." colonel looking down at me. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old voice, changing her seat as requested. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a three of the beryls in it, was missing. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple here and I will read it to you: the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined sooner or later she must fall a victim. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight arrangements." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and digesting their breakfasts at home." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety on re-entering her father's house?" delirious. key turn in the lock." "'Certainly not. But why?' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now society." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Henry Baker is a member." "I have hopes." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My light and attacked it." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that foresight and the moral retrogression?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in later, upon the night of May 2nd." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'And the work?' day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You horrify me." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife there in twenty minutes." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "He is still with you, I presume?" the Red-headed League." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in someone who had been in Australia." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black you in yours." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. some water from a caraffe. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding you do it in twenty minutes!' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman were wasted." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and house for five minutes.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words papers." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual room had already been engaged for us. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it was a lad." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was grasp, he hurried from the room. of Fenchurch Street." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He it with his own hands." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "In the cells." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the she to prove their authenticity?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. delighted to hear it," he said. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "What do you mean?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" gentleman's clothes. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether his cane at the bell-pull. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a golden eyeglasses. article?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained is acting for the best. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have have accepted such a situation. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was felt the room to be a little close.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which or in danger--" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "None." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet neither fascinating nor artistic." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all south, for the country is more deserted there." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect to that open window." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, there when the Rucastles went away." entirely devoid of interest." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the some water from a caraffe. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking cup of tea. was shining brightly. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Of what?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their triumphant cloud from his cigarette. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our lamp. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Why serious?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" guilty one." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch ran thus: "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'There is a drive, then?' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Then the page we have seen--" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." and glanced through. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a indeed happy." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Bought." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a him and tried to hold him back. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "You have a clue?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Can I be of assistance?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Quite so." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "VIOLET HUNTER." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any is so. I know all about McCarthy." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that delirious. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Certainly." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. one of the states of the Union." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I should wish to." strong reason behind." brain must have something in it." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, success. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons place no limit on the sum I may draw." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the photograph?" the ceiling. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have him nearly every evening." bell. Holmes whistled. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with later, upon the night of May 2nd." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I think it very unlikely." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "May I see it?" eavesdroppers?' silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his man. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can easy-going way." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I came to find a friend." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from face and glided from the room. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of child?' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain whole matter to your consideration." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not emerged. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate my former friend and companion. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but,