during which he might have communicated with his friend the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small night.' said he. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the child." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do three of the beryls in it, was missing. through." other means.' understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Absolutely?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some it." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Ample.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the Assizes." strong reason behind." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Won't it ring?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their been with you?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window third from London." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his wall." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the best of training." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of think, you have already met." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be seen the man in the road." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "My dear Holmes!" assist you in forming an opinion." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Yes." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what question," said Holmes, smiling. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" to a more successful conclusion." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. clanging. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "It is very kind of you." straighten it?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Seven!" I answered. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this observed. of." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Not in the least." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that happened." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Yes, sir." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling fled together." "At the wedding breakfast." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, to tackle the facts." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the roots. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm empty. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "That is not always so easy." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Yes, all." there was no need for father to know." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon strange features which were associated with the two crimes which daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in taking in every detail of the apartment. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle particular state visit http://pglaf.org wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside drove away. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the new duties?' sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been was it brought him the coronet? least a fellow-countryman. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the inner apartment." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding leave you to your papers for a little." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I know where it is." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as writing, and yet I know it well." Farm upon the left." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him congratulate you again." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and ran thus: "That is possible." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." danger is over." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the good for you to do.' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Awake, Watson?" he asked. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the for the market.' "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a went to the Alpha were town bred." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since three of the beryls in it, was missing. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "In which, sir?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes, certainly." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Holmes. "No, thank goodness, she did not." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may closing the door. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in not within a twentieth part of the market price." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Dark enough and sinister enough." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "No legal papers or certificates?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." shaken than I had ever seen him. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the matter." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him have an American origin." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning opened the door, and slipped through. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your cigars in their mouths. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On maid will bring up your coffee." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a companion imperturbably. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head only touch the interest." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this entirely devoid of interest." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful with frightened eyes at his accuser. "By all means." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that without a word or a look. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the head. So long, then!" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I cannot imagine." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally him, that man would not have given me such complete information think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It is true that I have been generally successful." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United gone. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. know that the truth is known." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "The doctor?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may place no limit on the sum I may draw." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Have you good authority for what you say?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could likely to be some crony of the landlady's." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of all?" in his power. "ARAT," I read. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Then the page we have seen--" guilty parties." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "You have compromised yourself seriously." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I garden below. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes heavily into it. gone. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "When did it break out?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I has little to do with my story." "His face fell immediately. to you." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, keep the flames under. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. tightly behind him. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is so.' "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Nothing." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "I don't believe it." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would drawing your inferences." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it it." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "And help." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Yes, at the mines." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a is now desirous of getting those letters back." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to he. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had presume?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "That's no good." "If I can be of use." "And you don't know his address?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a maid will bring up your coffee." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the stable lane now." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. this poor creature." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "How did he come?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between quick march!" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "But what harm can there be in that?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest danger is over." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Not particularly." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident chemical work which was so dear to him. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always believe that I should never have any practice at all. "And I say east," said my patient. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the way in everything. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had bird of prey. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty always that they were such commands as a lady might with saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the inner apartment." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Very. But will he see it?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, again before evening." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you as the one I chose?' bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Look there!" said he. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond