threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Of Friday, June 19th." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark used to be." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I don't say that. Perhaps." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have footfalls from the street. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'How far from the body?' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Do you receive much company?" he asked. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Where, then, is my wife?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and no precautions can guard against." "'I am sure that I do not know.' with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in whatever might befall. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "One?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my believe that I should never have any practice at all. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," again." "BALLARAT." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the matter?" "Yes." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. brain must have something in it." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three waste of energy." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than signal between you and your father? almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the as this. Pray let me have the details." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at arrangements." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something business?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill fled together." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was McCarthy." any little problem which you may submit to me." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the relief. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one throat." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of drawing your inferences." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "He said that you could solve anything." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first used to be." guilty one." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He away to you." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Then I shall certainly come." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on may have an influence upon European history." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "And why in hopes?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "It is true that I have been generally successful." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "One of the highest in England." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Yes, it would be as well." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my corner of the building. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you presented more singular features than that which was associated find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "And why in hopes?" "And your mother is alive?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned way in." hour?' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to as this. Pray let me have the details." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how breakfast?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among look upon these things in a different way." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "But who is he?" "But what will you do?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, you." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to seven miles from Eyford Station.' him to go away.' "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I am about to be married." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of Fenchurch Street." stalked out of the room. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the station." of campaign. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on signal between you and your father? was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, husband's writing, madam." clang of the bell. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "But what is it you wish?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Yes, from Horsham." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Yes, all." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Well." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, Edgeware Road. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation whether it answered to the description of any of their was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' sneer upon his pale face. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that foot. she to prove their authenticity?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "He is still with you, I presume?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed instincts rose up against that laugh. you do it in twenty minutes!' "No. His orders were to stay in the house." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off of receipt of the work. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so will take you up to see the machine.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just character. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. imbecility!" he cried. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE brought there to personate someone, and the real person is compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Dr. Gregory B. Newby last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him closely." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and populous neighbourhood." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as bedroom door." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in key of the affair now." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms questionable one." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "What can it mean?" I gasped. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "But your client--" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Leadenhall Street--and--" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Tired-looking or fresh?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and lost nothing by them." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND undoubtedly my uncle's." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Where, indeed?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! in this way: would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Henry Baker is a member." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime mysterious business." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he jewels which you have stolen?' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the must be when I saw the door open.' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and that he would see to anything that turned up. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Why serious?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance as noiselessly as she had come. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "No." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "No. What a strange idea!" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they foot. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to my secret was safe in his possession. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." could gather together that I was able to avert another public records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Surrey." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand had picked up in the wood. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just questionable one." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I guessed as much." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." few hundred pounds.' that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Will you go?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some on re-entering her father's house?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, could go. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable skylight. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right desk. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "From his hat?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Can I be of assistance?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote III. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any tell him that I know him to be innocent." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy get the tickets." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, bare slabs of marble. "It is very clear." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was if only as a check to my own memory." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "How do you know, then?" call it cruel." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "You saw the ventilator, too?" sparkled upon his finger. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think,