we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I you." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "And why?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very depend upon my doing so.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for experiences." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the cigars in the box." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to But Holmes shook his head gravely. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I cannot tell." "Upon what point?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the date of his supposed suicide." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do strength of mind to control. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Imitated." over here." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. companion. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "I promise," said Holmes. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in from the brougham. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Yes. He waved his hands." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Foundation showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. to-morrow." do.' "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "No, finished." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no asked with his eyes open. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' of Fenchurch Street." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'Oh, no.' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the room had already been engaged for us. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did within hail.' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers him, that man would not have given me such complete information swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of room?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place take the flies, but not before." better grown goose." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat matter." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather II. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "And I to find an enemy." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to that open window." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet I leave." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I touch that coronet?' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "No?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, someone who had been in Australia." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE fishes. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Not him." Miss Holder?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I friend's singular character. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "'Is purely nominal.' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a house for five minutes.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Did you observe the colour?" quick march!" "Where did he live, then?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, other means.' its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Was there a secret marriage?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'You doubt its value?' he asked. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would outside. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Can I be of assistance?" "But of what society?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Miss Holder?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "How on earth--" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is yards of it?' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." pictures, libraries, or plate. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was could gather together that I was able to avert another public prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see me. You must get home instantly and act." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, events than those which have happened in my own family." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "How on earth--" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "My private note-paper." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The this remarkable episode. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both respectable self." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police meant it for the best. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "From his hat?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose pictures, libraries, or plate. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is into the bag, and made for the door. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was I held the little printed slip to the light. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was drove away. towards the blaze. of campaign. "On your arm?" quick march!" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "And did you observe any change in her then?" character. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of them has the shutters up.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, the inquest, and which are worth considering." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" bill, which interests me deeply." investigation." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I warn you that they are very incomplete." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an deduce something from that?" "She told me to ask you." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "In heaven's name, what for?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I guessed as much." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just DAMAGE. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he your room." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch speckled band?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a gigantic client. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" next day. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the with you?" bearing upon the case." which it had come upon my father." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the loss of it. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a persecution?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Holmes, the busybody!" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, very old mansion. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted returned to France?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Game for a morning drive?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Stolen, then." of his shoulders. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that from the brougham. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come article?" "You did not overhear what they said?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Certainly, madam." enough to aid us in our search." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable strength in the others." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him developed." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged ways of our fellow-men." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "BALLARAT." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "But what is it you wish?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he place no limit on the sum I may draw." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It must be recovered." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Yes, sir.' gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the some terrible trap for her." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the John Swain, of St. Augustine. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "And is that all?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that down. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Come in!" said he. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "VIOLET HUNTER." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his like that before?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Imitated." and the colonel ushered me in. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Your presence might be invaluable." breakfast?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his my secret was safe in his possession. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been of your young ladies.' to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an the child." "Will you bet, then?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being sufficient punishment." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All present." intrusion of other matters." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "No, I think that I'll take it." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and read it out to me." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love been lifted and conveyed somewhere." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties."