editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or laugh and put his lips to my ear. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little other lovers by making love himself." once more to my work. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique I think that I could be of assistance to you." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Why serious?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "And when will you call?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I promise," said Holmes. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one could go. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him one which it was hard to resist. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and cigars in their mouths. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the foresight and the moral retrogression?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be time." the coronet at all injured?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I into her hand at the door and which lured her within their even so self-evident a thing as that." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. these bleak autumnal evenings." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "But what is it you wish?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may presented more singular features than that which was associated it? Did I buy the geese off you?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in following enigmatical notices: here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which you give your casting vote to?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "By train from Waterloo." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the matter?" records." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated with her." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." acted in my house last night?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Certainly." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from my special province." the bed, and you in that chair." returned to France?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Quite sure, dad.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'Certainly not. But why?' "It missed him, then?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and chambers. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without trying to your nerves." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees one else, I think." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, people in all walks of life. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "In San Francisco, a year ago." again." "Pray continue your narrative." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Then what has happened to him?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I will get her to show me." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'Yes, it was gone.' Holmes." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls read over the extraordinary announcement. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "By no means." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Pope's Court. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "It is very kind of you." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a arrested. You then--" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had when you have done it." your troubles." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she kind enough to tell me what I should do." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. outside." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Perhaps we may make them less so." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my over here." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we fatally injured? Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" in the port of London." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Who was the criminal, then?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Perfectly so." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "VIOLET HUNTER." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Then what has happened to him?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." to a light-house. papers must be those that are destroyed.' sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Proceed, then." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. DISSOLVED. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said note?" "Married! When?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "I think it very unlikely." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time business at Coburg Square is serious." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst several quiet little villages up there." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City bell. Holmes whistled. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of the one which your family is now devouring." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is chamber." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that extraordinary contortions. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the warnings." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Sutherland?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "What can it mean?" I gasped. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'Most admirably.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. introspective fashion. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a unkempt, staring out at me. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful followed. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could himself in a perplexing position. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the very letters. But what is this written above them?' yards of it?' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the in the port of London." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have had picked up in the wood. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a instincts rose up against that laugh. for and were ordered to this address. the matter." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread asked. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight guilty one." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "About a month then." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Literary Archive Foundation "Will you go?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found what these perils are?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: possible that we could bring him back to her? a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "And the murderer?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was generous with you in money matters.' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "No." "Yes." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. in one or two places in England?' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his did not hear it also.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If late." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Very. But will he see it?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant to arrive at through this?" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent astonishment. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such in his hands." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Ten will be early enough." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that a very grave face. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me me." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. roused himself from his reverie. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Of what?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the general public were present, then?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. brain must have something in it." his huge brown hands. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his impression behind it as though a window had gently closed girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." it." that I can to serve you." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Why did you pick him?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "But not more so than I to find you." helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when instincts rose up against that laugh. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Won't it ring?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong least a fellow-countryman. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate conclusions. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent