the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook at my remark. at my own good fortune. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'Never,' said I. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather there were one or two details which were new to me. But the name is different." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "The Cedars?" British peeress.'" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the little opening for the ventilator is." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Yes." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson bell. Holmes whistled. your sleep?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and we went to search for him, face downward in a little what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly photograph a cabinet?" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear seven miles from Eyford Station.' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and My friend smiled. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was and looked back. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "And I to find an enemy." to-night's adventure." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned time." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. might help us?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at humiliation." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! becomes even more simple." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. residence of the great financier. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with to that open window." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our noble correspondent could be. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the spark where all is dark to me." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the Assizes." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night manager. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now question," said Holmes, smiling. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father national property. I was determined that the law should have its tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, call for it in person on Monday morning.' we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes, it would be as well." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know them?" "And how in the world did you find them?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Texas, I think." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Dirty?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that, and I came down." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a works. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and call you and give you the chance." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it front of the hall door has given its name to the place. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either at home. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right sparkled upon his finger. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "But what is it you wish?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "It certainly sounds feasible." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I have hopes." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle bird of prey. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable I held the little printed slip to the light. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "But it has twice been burgled." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his himself to tell his story. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "None." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed of the one which your family is now devouring." of it with the greatest attention. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I will do it." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "But of what society?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are manager. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I promise," said Holmes. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which do.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. fasten all the windows?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And sit in the dark?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'What are you doing there?' he asked. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when felt the room to be a little close.' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled one's self under obligations.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less you?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. better in every way that they should make their position a little "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Mrs. Toller serenely. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no meant it for the best. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which shoulder; "he's all right." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for The events in question occurred in the early days of my I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Nothing." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I am armed." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hurried away. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up breakfast and whispered something to her husband. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I him, that man would not have given me such complete information "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "There is the writing." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain was a loud and authoritative tap. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and inquire as to the address." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to way in." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. ashen face. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what to take care of herself." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the at home. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third his knees, staring into the fire. too. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the so-precious time, but come!' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he himself in a perplexing position. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his letters?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org the south-west, I see." a very grave face. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in ordinary clothes on?" easy-going way." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I am in hopes that she does." "'Certainly not.' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was I. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I say that I have solved it." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Yes, all." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how to tackle the facts." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "One of his hands." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Eyford at 11:15.' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. quite distinctive." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes straighten it?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to away to you." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and present." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up your most interesting statement." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three depend upon my doing so.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Who was the criminal, then?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to have been novel and of interest." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two off." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I am not easy in my mind about them." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. plantation.' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that just ask you whether you had heard it.' hardly wander." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'You cannot say what it was?' true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Certainly." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Quite so." fasten all the windows?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided never came back." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I have come for advice." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things what these perils are?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. as he folded up the epistle. salesman. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, look dissatisfied." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Stolen!' he cried. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was most interesting one." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Entirely." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. occurred." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "On Monday." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. respectable self." stood on the top of it. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and manager. be.' galvanised. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it enter Dr. Roylott's room." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps behind me. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every had picked up in the wood. events, Mr. Windibank!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and I approached. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. fire. You quite follow me?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the have an American origin." closing the door. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the there when the Rucastles went away." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, we went to search for him, face downward in a little profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on round with crates and massive boxes. Munro.' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "9th. McCauley cleared. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Very well, sir. And this stone?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the views." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old.