"'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for even of instruction." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the side-table." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked will he say when he returns?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE presume?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this bonnet, and went out." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Very good.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, go from here to the Strand." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "But to whom?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "No." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door silent! Oh, he will be silent!' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears floor. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'Never.' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was eavesdroppers?' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, But Holmes shook his head gravely. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I am sure." Holmes' face clouded over. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and sound at heart." one of the states of the Union." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, cigars in their mouths. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Game for a morning drive?" foot. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the this unhappy family?" on re-entering her father's house?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet to me. existence." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving very old mansion. "No, I had a dozen." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, legal crime." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between You want to know what became of those geese?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, have an American origin." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from husband's writing, madam." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "On your arm?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you for a few hours?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as has little to do with my story." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "None. Neville wrote those words." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And how did you find out?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to come either from the window or the door. My attention was "'Ample.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Holmes." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do looking up at the numbers of the houses." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt and your relations to her." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." be best to do. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "By train from Waterloo." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, DAMAGE. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a James Windibank. Voilà tout!" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I minor matters until to-morrow." strode off upon his way. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Henry Baker is a member." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon been able to understand it, in a very few words. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Quite so. She has her freedom." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB back to my heart. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his bonnet, and went out." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a society." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "And now?" I asked. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "One of his hands." "No good news?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Well, but China?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to where he stood hid behind the curtain. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his might help us?" Holmes rather sternly. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am call the police, let the police find what they can.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the man. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old will take you up to see the machine.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H The summons was a brief and urgent one. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." this as likely?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" stalked out of the room. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "This photograph!" "How many? I don't know." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I them?" it with his own hands." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over happened." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more this man was intellectual?" "No?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "The murder was done with it." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." into the room. relief. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I was afraid that you were engaged." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Won't it ring?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question showing my impatience. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the some terrible trap for her." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You have a clue?" your co-operation." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "A client, then?" lost his Christmas dinner." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, placed his cuttings. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "The doctor?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or are, I think, all that we need." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must fear." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the in his power. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the standing smiling on the door-step. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter away to you." three of the beryls in it, was missing. lost his Christmas dinner." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the matter?" "Game for a morning drive?" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses James Windibank. Voilà tout!" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Can I be of assistance?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His been." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Never.' put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'Which dealer's?' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, again on its way. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace even so self-evident a thing as that." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return thirty. passage and a tap at the door. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was keenly on my guard against him. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both my secret was safe in his possession. been with you?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "How do you know, then?" "It is a murder, then?" window when the police appeared." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and have one." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "To an end?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "How did he come?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was McCarthy." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "A greater distance to travel." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of shadow pass over his face as I spoke. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The King of Scandinavia." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner was not a bird to be seen there. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to village inn over there?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. photograph a cabinet?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know criminal. We have already had experience of such." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I States. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR vault. of the way of danger. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been bedroom door." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave with some details as to your case." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It is a murder, then?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way him, that man would not have given me such complete information corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Won't it ring?" thought that she would have been so carried away." guilty one." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others spark where all is dark to me." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Not yet." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up with you alone." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the side-table." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'As governess?' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "On your arm?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "They are typewritten," I remarked. done what I asked you, Jones?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Where, indeed?" appeal." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this he. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his this as likely?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your http://gutenberg.net/license). a monotonous occupation." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very situation." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a