The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers into her hand at the door and which lured her within their social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's them present such singular features as the strange train of "Was there a secret marriage?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured business came to an end." "I was sure that I might rely on you." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop key turn in the lock." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "But it has twice been burgled." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Yes." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "And why in hopes?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I should like to see him very much." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." empty. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked a monotonous occupation." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. rooms." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "And why?" "You have but to name it." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my without success. At last the little money which I had saved began crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Holmes rather sternly. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "No. His orders were to stay in the house." invisible to me," I remarked. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and a shock of very red hair. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Stoke Moran." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, during that time.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging could not have written that. It is the German who is so The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Nearly eleven." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I am still in the dark." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'There is a drive, then?' "No." man. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. his huge brown hands. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "But how will you look?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Who by?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker constraint." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door details should find their way into the papers. Inspector had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "What is it?" other lovers by making love himself." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of would apply.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our go back?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since arrested. You then--" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Which are?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "The Cedars?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise coroner's jury." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been went to the Alpha were town bred." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets criminal. We have already had experience of such." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the dangers which encompass me." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Your presence might be invaluable." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have very peculiar words of the dying woman?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to not within a twentieth part of the market price." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. nothing of it?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Yes, there are nearly always some there." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "So I have heard." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the exactly what you advise." occupations.' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter with the outside air!" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife had a long day." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and of Fenchurch Street." "There is the writing." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'You doubt its value?' he asked. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which License. You must require such a user to return or "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Yes, it would be as well." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there floor. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "That is not always so easy." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with considering the formidable letters which were received by himself wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "It is true that I have been generally successful." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I am not easy in my mind about them." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Precisely so. But how--" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Then you may be so with me." bonnet, and went out." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Leadenhall Street--and--" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "VIOLET HUNTER." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the if only as a check to my own memory." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three at once, for I have only half an hour." returned to France?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "In the cells." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "And I say east," said my patient. "Yes, it was twisted." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That before, for it was considerably after midnight. whether it answered to the description of any of their stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "You horrify me!" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and fishes. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He and I shall be with you presently." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'There is a drive, then?' later, upon the night of May 2nd." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, you, my dear young lady?' cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "The rest you will leave in our hands." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital lamp in his hand. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one away to you." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back fluttered off among the others. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that was keenly on my guard against him. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "We were both in the photograph." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly not personally threatened." neither fascinating nor artistic." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special relation between them, and what the object of his repeated during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit brain must have something in it." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his will he say when he returns?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief rat could hardly pass through." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which paper in the air. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so noting anything else of interest. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "No, distinctly professional." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "What then?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a promised to bring home. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I guessed as much." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home of the one which your family is now devouring." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I never have." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master train.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting charge against him will break down." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was tear off another piece?' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "To ruin me." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Have you good authority for what you say?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "No." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It is very clear." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the coronet in his hands?" "Well." once more for Briony Lodge. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. other, as fresh and trim as possible. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Bought." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of present." way: immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I whereabouts.