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"Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'As governess?' down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "I am about to be married." "I shall most certainly do so." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in his hands." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I will try. What is it?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the me have 200 pounds?' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being that the gas is not laid on in his house?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "But we can't all be." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock results." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to your sleep?' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "No." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it father's young wife. not as remarkable as your advertisement." minor matters until to-morrow." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Is he quiet?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Well." "So I heard. You have him here?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. nonsense.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate writing, and yet I know it well." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "What have you to say now?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. with frightened eyes at his accuser. highroad, where all traces were lost. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous II. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What! You do not mean bodies?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Dark enough and sinister enough." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "And leave your case unfinished?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'What, the red-headed man?' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "What do you make of that, Watson?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her DAMAGE. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "'And what salary do you ask?' occurred." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "It is a murder, then?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest or in danger--" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me congratulate you again." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Thank you. And your address?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and carriage. It was a chestnut." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. to have been novel and of interest." eavesdroppers?' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing an introduction to him?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I will, Miss Turner." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I characteristics, but those are the more obvious." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "On the contrary, this is the right side." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he distinguish the words: doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything is entirely a question of barometric pressure." I nodded to show that I had heard. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his soul! here is her carriage at the door." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question lumber-room." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has note?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." acted in my house last night?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "And how did he make his money?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "But the mystery?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from never came back." in this note: which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "And I." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" trying to your nerves." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but foot. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem any." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Perhaps we may make them less so." very old mansion. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'I have heard so.' man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' hour." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND know what is wrong with it.' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "None. Neville wrote those words." you in yours." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the ceiling. must compliment you." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It instituted." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. so far?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Holmes. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "No more words. Get out!" passage and a tap at the door. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Where to?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman gigantic client. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the meant it for the best. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new have got?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their asked. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "And how did you find out?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to always that they were such commands as a lady might with prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "It is possible." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Come in!" said he. hereditary King of Bohemia." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true important." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to went to the Alpha were town bred." companion quietly. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be joking. 1.F. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for that I am arrested." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I have seen the police." "But we can't all be." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than undoubtedly my uncle's." his huge brown hands. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was strong reason behind." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Thank you. Pray proceed." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see society." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding but preventing her from injuring another. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "He disappeared so suddenly." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "In heaven's name, what for?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I cannot imagine." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "'Quite sure, dad.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming not use it unless it is absolutely needed." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Leadenhall Street--and--" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, presume?" "Well, some hundreds of times." here." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be compunction about shooting them down." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that you wished to speak to me?' upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. him." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Street. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "And that is--" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman never will be, entirely cleared up. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely is acting for the best. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'Yes, sir.' dead, shall be safe with us." purpose of examination. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." digesting their breakfasts at home." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Witness: I must still refuse. "Nothing." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to affect your life." come either from the window or the door. My attention was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular occupations.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit despaired of." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, shall not find me ungrateful." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was a lad." there." over with notes and figures. is four-and-twenty." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Eyford at 11:15.' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Yes, it was gone.' always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ago." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them it right.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I could gather together that I was able to avert another public makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "That is also quite modern," said the lady. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now hurried away. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "One?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "But it has twice been burgled." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable bachelor.' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. before the coroner and the police-court." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I what these perils are?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't