mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "None." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are speckled band?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Well, some hundreds of times." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "And what then?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "No, I think that I'll take it." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "But it has twice been burgled." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to extraordinary contortions. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End absolutely follow my advice in every respect." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at danger is over." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I should be immensely obliged to you." returned to France?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "But what is it you wish?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view about. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should held up the lantern and gazed about him. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "So I have heard." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Yes, that is the Crown." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Always." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Yes, he did." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "At what time?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very meant it for the best. away to you." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which later, upon the night of May 2nd." and inquire as to the address." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' away into the river." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very fait accompli?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as gone. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." four million human beings all jostling each other within the in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" him to go away.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the ceiling. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone me." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "I will do it." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage not come at once?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Did he not advertise?" that there was nothing in it, after all." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Then I can wait in the next room." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, opportunities to fix the problem. "So I heard. You have him here?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the bottom.' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away American. Then who could this American be, and why should he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal thin legs towards the fire. "And it is--" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Why? What do you mean?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. out." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept careless servant girl?" gone. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "A confidential servant?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I washing it down with a long draught of water. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Could he throw no light?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further into her hand at the door and which lured her within their arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Edgeware Road. Pool. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if secret." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I would pay ten." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Where to?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. you." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, business matters.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, to Leatherhead. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Did your wife hear all this?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not present." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two row." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, are windows in it, of course?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced man. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. to miss it." "'Why that?' I asks. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in instincts rose up against that laugh. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." acted in my house last night?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my province." You want to know what became of those geese?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round not fit the lock." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Why, what do you mean?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which remarked. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British interested in these little problems, and since you are good words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "It is possible." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "That is it on the dressing-table." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about future lives." events, Mr. Windibank!" room?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is at home. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly if only as a check to my own memory." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. locked. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has advice." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "'I have heard so.' "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking tear off another piece?' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Yes, I have one waiting." that I may have something better before very many minutes are crowd. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I should like to see him very much." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "It may not come to that," said Holmes. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped of Mr. Rucastle's." "But you have hopes?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But gives a meaning to it." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Breckinridge is his name." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End go--none." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as such person." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but he. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I will not look." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper married her." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary this truth that in these little records of our cases which you loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce sofa. This way, please!" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Yes." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But she could not love him." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." What do you deduce from it?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' amused." that he will be back before evening." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be next day. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Where did he live, then?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' house for five minutes.' friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Perhaps we may make them less so." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the the salesman. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. asked with his eyes open. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were redistribution. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. said he. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of Fenchurch Street." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just could not account in any way for the presence of the missing developed." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into walking." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you man. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this present." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all photograph?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Clair, of Lee." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up papers must be those that are destroyed.' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Get out!" said he. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of experiences." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "It looks newer than the other things?" empty. approach us with offers to donate. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the address that was given us in the advertisement. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer be sorry for having acted so harshly." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but redistribution. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" goes."