had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, about. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "An accident, I presume?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "So I heard. You have him here?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect letters?" fait accompli?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the province." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "What, then, did Peterson do?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. were new raised from a basin. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two colour had been driven from his face. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm returning from some small jollification and was making his way things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "They are typewritten," I remarked. I. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every views." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Ample.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke forecastle of an emigrant ship. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own in him." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." page at http://pglaf.org whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and the church but not where the lady lived." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Murdered?" a monotonous occupation." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black his knees, staring into the fire. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Ah!" "'I have heard so.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "And what did you learn from him?" some terrible trap for her." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your giving me time to thank him. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of yourselves in at night?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; soul! here is her carriage at the door." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the coroner come to?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "But his left-handedness." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two bachelor.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a know what is wrong with it.' and all of them with the keenest interest. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I annoyance, but no jest. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the date of his supposed suicide." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you it." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as which we had just quitted. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. yards of it?' he died? have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's States. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Very good.' "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I DISSOLVED. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Heh?' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an who was a member of your goose club." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "It is possible." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Then you may be so with me." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," think, you have already met." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I fear not." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in official police." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "One of his hands." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable better grown goose." danger is over." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his think that any burglar could have done. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Yes." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Certainly not.' upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "It is very kind of you." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Ten will be early enough." in his power. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Nothing?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to very morning of my second wedding." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "And your mother is alive?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. at home. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Did your wife hear all this?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring sound at heart." and the colonel ushered me in. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Yes, it would be as well." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered bill, which interests me deeply." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "So I heard. You have him here?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "But what is it you wish?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably indiscretion." "The rest you will leave in our hands." will take you up to see the machine.' "And for present expenses?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have character. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already again." or other trace. But how on earth--" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Where did he live, then?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when have an American origin." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. could not have written that. It is the German who is so get the tickets." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. up this clue while it is still hot." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, remarked. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Proceed, then." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so enter Dr. Roylott's room." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who went to the Alpha were town bred." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and fait accompli?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "Yes, the wine-cellar." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here acquaintance?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "What steps will you take?" I asked. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a should be taken.' A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "But I have heard all that you have heard." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are outsides of the windows. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he lips." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Why did you pick him?" detained." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Frequently." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his into her hand at the door and which lured her within their on re-entering her father's house?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. like that before?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work noise which awoke you from your sleep?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. think that any burglar could have done. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the hands. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare way in." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "On your arm?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his there!' "That sounds a little paradoxical." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to affect your life." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I took the paper from him and read as follows: fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you late." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," will he say when he returns?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Cross for the Continent." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "And on what day did he meet his death?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly lectures into a series of tales." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he attention." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of in a very precise fashion." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." too. "Get out!" said he. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with was shining brightly. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered amused." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have carpenter." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which to-night?" I asked. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Sutherland. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I cannot tell." "What can it mean?" I gasped. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere note?" gone before you can get him to hospital." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "What is it, then--a fire?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a answered with a sidelong glance. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to been deceived." "My photograph." there was no need for father to know." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine quick march!" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I was mad--insane." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering of Mr. Rucastle's." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And the murderer?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people mysterious end." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "I will try. What is it?" "'About the same.'