"Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not success. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "You saw the ventilator, too?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Eyford at 11:15.' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend entirely lost his self-respect." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the pictures, libraries, or plate. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'It is locked up,' I answered. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, never to learn it at all." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Yes." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "That also I could fathom." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "No." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises empty. heavy and sharp instrument." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Have you it here?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he present." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "One?" night.' said he. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might distinguish the words: room. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "The murder was done with it." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "BALLARAT." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "But it has twice been burgled." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Which surely he restored to their owner?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "The best possible." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a straighten it?" the driver. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a system of imprisonment?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "She walked into the breakfast-room." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good this truth that in these little records of our cases which you cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, gbnewby@pglaf.org A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and chambers. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any indiscretion." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, she to prove their authenticity?" "I cannot say that I have." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'And the work?' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "How did that help you?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He redistribution. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "How do you know, then?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "You have it, sir, just as it happened." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little sneer upon his pale face. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added you." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. certainly do as you advise." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the a monotonous occupation." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "But how?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a together. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "You think so, too?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were companion quietly. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Look there!" said he. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both respectable self." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "'Yes, it was gone.' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right all-comprehensive glances. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "If I can be of use." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I am about to be married." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "You have compromised yourself seriously." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Frequently." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in opportunities to fix the problem. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Edgeware Road. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Where to?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife will not take me long to tell. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. know what is wrong with it.' them present such singular features as the strange train of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'And the work?' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. with you?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over photograph?" been deceived." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. in one or two places in England?' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It things are very often connected not with the larger but with the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then I shall certainly come." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was spark where all is dark to me." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to as the one I chose?' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "The murder was done with it." I. Again Holmes raved in the air. him nearly every evening." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the that I may have something better before very many minutes are latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "She told me to ask you." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and chance at all." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that their singular warning or token before them when starting upon that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" least a fellow-countryman. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from to talk it over. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and laid it on the table. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Ah!" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' copied or distributed: little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard breakfast." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it 11:15.' "Very. But will he see it?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King fasten all the windows?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "But I am all in the dark." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Nothing?" Again Holmes raved in the air. not fit the lock." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural see a sister of mine apply for." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is very clear." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the your bag." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "But you can know nothing of this?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I will try. What is it?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "And how did you verify them?" his grey eyes. "It looks newer than the other things?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "'Oh, no.' you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most head. So long, then!" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor rat could hardly pass through." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. http://www.gutenberg.net as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an cigar and let me expound." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "And did you observe any change in her then?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Leadenhall Street--and--" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "What then?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I held the little printed slip to the light. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination three fields round his house, and there he would take his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Texas, I think." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in new duties?' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "He disappeared so suddenly." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing face and glided from the room. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that again." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "No. His orders were to stay in the house." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed daring than any effort of the imagination." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "What then?" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Ha! you find it so?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I will try. What is it?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank