old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There delirious. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall best detective that ever lived. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "And is that all?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. will take you up to see the machine.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Then what has happened to him?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your more terrible than the truth. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband papers diligently of late, have you not?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his closely." have had none more fantastic than this." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." read over the extraordinary announcement. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Yesterday." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Clair, of Lee." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "That is unusual in a young girl." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And leave your case unfinished?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to it." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution was shining brightly. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the where she found matters as described by the last witness. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Leadenhall Street--and--" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your indeed which he could not unravel. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through that you saw all that I did." I am not easy in my mind about them." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she sparkled upon his finger. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. enter into my head. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed empty. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. ashen face. strode off upon his way. "Come in!" said he. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an done what I asked you, Jones?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Lee, in the county of Kent." "Not in the least." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I likely to be some crony of the landlady's." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to desk. "One of his hands." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with answer." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was friends, not even his own brother. "What can you not understand?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken interests were the same as his." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "When did she vanish, then?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I have hopes." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Yes." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt in his power. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Yes." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what to have been novel and of interest." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been had picked up in the wood. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, what I may call a really hard day's work." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name for its centre. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "I have seen the police." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "And what did you learn from him?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Entirely." States. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is weigh very heavily upon my conscience." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "No, but the enclosure is." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the matter." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are salesman. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the friends, not even his own brother. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion husband's writing, madam." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no I nodded to show that I had heard. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "He said too much." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I would give my fortune to have them back." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Bought." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all bell. Holmes whistled. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." page at http://pglaf.org had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Ah!" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Will you go?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a all-comprehensive glances. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "And you can do nothing until then?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and maid will bring up your coffee." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest out." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to ran thus: the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies one of them." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he better in every way that they should make their position a little are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, lectures into a series of tales." "I see no marks." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the there is a decided draught." "None." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means suspect him." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "May I see it?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in most interesting one." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the lamp. more solid." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As daring than any effort of the imagination." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "But how?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm as yours." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Yes, it was gone.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method wife's character?" "'Why that?' I asks. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. if only as a check to my own memory." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yesterday." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'There is a drive, then?' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He seem to you to be relevant or not." of them has the shutters up.' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion arrested. You then--" one which it was hard to resist. pierced for earrings?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Where is it, then?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for me have 200 pounds?' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers union?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Yes, only one." very morning of my second wedding." Street. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "How did that help you?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done other, as fresh and trim as possible. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "The landlord of the Alpha." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Nothing." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you most important business. It is probable that he will be away all without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I man. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never bled considerably." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The congratulate you again." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess noise which awoke you from your sleep?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "It is solved." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that your most interesting statement." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You did not overhear what they said?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the security.' chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put examination of the premises, but without finding anything which in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was fat-encircled eyes. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "It came here." McCarthy's innocence. "Yes." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." child?' few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker future lives." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in writers could invent nothing more crude." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "It certainly sounds feasible." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to foresight and the moral retrogression?" to tell." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this on in his house." for the market.' threw himself down with his face to the pillow. I think that I could be of assistance to you." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." seen the man in the road." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the reach." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for look dissatisfied." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Literary Archive Foundation already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, one's self under obligations.' his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present cause to be." green of the new foliage. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a think you a quite exceptional woman." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her brandy and water within his reach. "But she will refuse." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was knowledge of the world." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Was there a secret marriage?" "Then I do not see the point." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case