"None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You will not go there first?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Was he the only applicant?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was definite end. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have 'please.'" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was once more to my work. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the little opening for the ventilator is." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "No, I think that I'll take it." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the salesman. walking." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could front of me. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of your only hope of safety." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the inner apartment." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went tear off another piece?' observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You horrify me!" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so desk. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could results." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "You horrify me." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I cannot imagine." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "If I can be of use." prepare for the new role I have to play." from the brougham. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be a monotonous occupation." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'Very good.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Imitated." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I answered that I had not. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His http://www.gutenberg.net tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Thank you. And your address?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales tell them apart.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the of Mr. Rucastle's." were unconscious?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "But what will you do?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door said I. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his beg that you will break it off." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking your own bird, so if you wish--" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl cigars in the box." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the me where it went to?" "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One following enigmatical notices: ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "That was it, sir." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I will try. What is it?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Where did he live, then?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Does that suggest anything?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Lee, in the county of Kent." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Pray tell us what has happened to you." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "How about poison?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "And why?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Pray do so." upon the white wrist. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And you can do nothing until then?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "What I expected to see." "His face fell immediately. might have a private word with us. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." new acquaintance to Baker Street. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her long narrative. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a never will be, entirely cleared up. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a quick march!" the nursery. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work it were putty." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back if only as a check to my own memory." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts beg that you will break it off." then?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, is now desirous of getting those letters back." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One shadow pass over his face as I spoke. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of the one which your family is now devouring." to his chemical studies. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: green of the new foliage. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "It missed him, then?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting simple cases which are so extremely difficult." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it any." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. he. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I came to find a friend." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left once more to my work. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the leaning back in his chair. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Quite so. She has her freedom." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I security.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to place of silver." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." might have a private word with us. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Nothing?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "What do you mean?" "Witness: Nothing definite. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Yes." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "My own seal." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk forecastle of an emigrant ship. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival whereabouts. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a appeal." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves perplexity from it to my illustrious client. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Married! When?" brain must have something in it." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all empty. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Was your sister dressed?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear newspaper selections." "And how did you find out?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "This concluded the examination of the witness." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. business." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never know what is wrong with it.' "That is it on the dressing-table." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would it right.' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight sake, don't!" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore sake, don't!" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever chair. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Will you go?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'As governess?' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the roots. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had it." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and introspective fashion. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "No, thank goodness, she did not." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I don't say that. Perhaps." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire himself to hunt down. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'Yes, sir.' "There are none." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that manager. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Henry Baker is a member." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last his cane at the bell-pull. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You are hungry," I remarked. tail." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My