In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily should be so warm over such a trifle." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "An enemy?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Stoke Moran?" said he. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no call for protection in the marriage market, for the present heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the my secret was safe in his possession. "I cannot tell." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were careless servant girl?" mysterious end." "I beg pardon." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Precisely." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Bought." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "How are you getting on?" me. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Very truly yours, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "I have seen the police." legal crime." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "He is dead," cried several voices. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope all?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his 1.E.9. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to have that photograph." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Miss Holder?" calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble imbecility!" he cried. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Where does the thing come from?' this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "There is the writing." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "The vanishing of the lady." "No, thank goodness, she did not." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions not come at once?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Miss Holder?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had get the tickets." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "It is half-past ten now." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, all?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," here." "What can you not understand?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you bill, which interests me deeply." you?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in your billet.' system of imprisonment?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You are hungry," I remarked. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a of receipt of the work. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill chamber." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was our word." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come me." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes, certainly." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. several quiet little villages up there." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "My last client of the sort was a king." keep the flames under. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered been with you?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." tear off another piece?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'And what are they worth?' I asked. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this sooner or later she must fall a victim. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small you." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had was used.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Surrey." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated sake, don't!" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' them, and came down just as you departed. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Do you know him?" "Have you it here?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I cannot tell." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her closing the door. "My dear Holmes!" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "What then?" used to be." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. may never be exposed to such a temptation." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "No, I had a dozen." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, I shall continue with my miserable story. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Lestrade of Scotland Yard." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is if only as a check to my own memory." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my again, where I was soon asleep. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." figure." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are redistribution. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite tell him that I know him to be innocent." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to I am not easy in my mind about them." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of of." village inn over there?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "No, thank goodness, she did not." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother His name is Francis Prosper." better grown goose." "None." the Red-headed League." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she them present such singular features as the strange train of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far me upon any point which I do not make clear." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a other means.' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was arrested. You then--" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold is acting for the best. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a one of them." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three see a sister of mine apply for." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I cannot tell." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I friend's singular character. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "How did that help you?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." thirty. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "'Which dealer's?' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." views." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't followed. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square character. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. not fit the lock." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." prison!" how narrow had been my escape. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." works. See paragraph 1.E below. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "On your arm?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "You know me, then?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as six. Come in!" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in respectable self." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a you." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I shall most certainly do so." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "BALLARAT." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "An accident, I presume?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass we went to search for him, face downward in a little "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned strange features which were associated with the two crimes which that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Street. that threaten you." "Then how many are there?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself is worth.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "You think so, too?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. said I. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Pray do so." but preventing her from injuring another. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no him to be an active member of the medical profession." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with furiously. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my for its centre. "I guessed as much." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send matters immensely." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money indiscretion." have got?" emerged. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "In heaven's name, what for?" becomes even more simple." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the his huge brown hands. vanished into the darkness. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day man. I know him from the photograph." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a relief. "'Yes, it was gone.' written. business." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "No, I had a dozen." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway like gravel from a pit.' beyond words. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Will you go?" http://www.gutenberg.net