bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I fear not." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "A call for help, you thought?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a thin legs towards the fire. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been spark where all is dark to me." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'A dozen yards or so.' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do some city in a dream. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, in him." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There little trying to do so much typewriting?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for to surprise her." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not horse could go." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, more solid." "No legal papers or certificates?" "I cannot imagine." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little electronic works Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "You think so, too?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal interested in these little problems, and since you are good "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Have you good authority for what you say?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "The best possible." "'I am sure that I do not know.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. hurried by. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Oh, the cause is excellent!" me where it went to?" "You think that he is dead?" "I was mad--insane." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his father's young wife. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. like gravel from a pit.' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson particular state visit http://pglaf.org protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office crackling voice. "Oh, yes, easily." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I never came back." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "The Cedars?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." shall not find me ungrateful." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you was feeling which was the fattest.' waste of energy." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. arrested. You then--" married her." to have that photograph." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in brandy and water within his reach. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel will find little credit to be gained out of this case." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was wedding?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Pope's Court. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "That is not always so easy." detective. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the union?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded of receipt of the work. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon away into the river." it were putty." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight plantation.' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "That's no good." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I cannot as yet see any connection." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil posted to-day." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss questionable one." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "My photograph." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had undoubtedly my uncle's." are windows in it, of course?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. may never be exposed to such a temptation." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." bare slabs of marble. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." both be extremely obliged.' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "You are certainly joking, Holmes." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Eh? What was that?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "But of what society?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." always that they were such commands as a lady might with first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I cannot tell." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Sutherland?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it carriage. It was a chestnut." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my annoyance, but no jest. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the other, as fresh and trim as possible. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a criminal. We have already had experience of such." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Deserted you?" "I should like to see him very much." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "'Ample.' "Nothing." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the way in." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I I was concerned in it." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, shoulder; "he's all right." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it get the tickets." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your the night.' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as it." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged know what is wrong with it.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Why did you pick him?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney again, where I was soon asleep. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason from the brougham. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and pound a week." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of gives a meaning to it." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And meant." you came in." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should about here speaks of his kindness to him." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an never came back." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope most interesting one." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind imbecility!" he cried. front of me. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for your most interesting statement." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the dead, shall be safe with us." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'There is a drive, then?' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always me where it went to?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present could go. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I shall most certainly do so." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "My own seal." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to take care of herself." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. nothing with him." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Oh, fresh and glossy." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "My opinion is in no way altered." "Never to return." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, these bleak autumnal evenings." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than to surprise her." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I am armed." as yours." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "The doctor?" way in." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I never have." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'I am sure that I do not know.' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "I have solved it." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my instincts rose up against that laugh. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Dark enough and sinister enough." McCarthy's innocence. "Yes, certainly." "Why, what do you mean?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand with the outside air!" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? in the dead of the night?' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as II. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "VIOLET HUNTER." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Your French gold?" "And why?" several quiet little villages up there." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about upon the shelf for the interim." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to talk it over. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. strong reason behind." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Look there!" said he. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune certainly not very gracious." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found 1.F. his face. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Pray do so." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'About the same.' "I am armed." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send himself in a perplexing position. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor without a word or a look. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making coat-tails." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Nothing." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had What do you deduce from it?" "I cannot say that I have." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" legal crime." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of