fuss that is made over them." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the dangers which encompass me." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Yes, I have one waiting." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Oh, yes, easily." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, following enigmatical notices: "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' business came to an end." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the charged with?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "That's no good." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Have you it here?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' have not had my rubber." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "We were both in the photograph." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin investigation." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' cigar and let me expound." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time and have this put in the evening papers." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Did you become engaged then?" be. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we is acting for the best. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Imitated." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "What, then, did Peterson do?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "What!" he roared. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were so far?" "At what time?" "It is possible." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "And did you observe any change in her then?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Your presence might be invaluable." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were point in the dark hollow of his hand. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could trying to your nerves." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the hopeless attempt at recovering them." at my remark. "'Then let me do so?' possible that we could bring him back to her? this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the colonel looking down at me. companion. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past records." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "No, I had a dozen." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Frequently." have I gained?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the here." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while been lifted and conveyed somewhere." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "My opinion is in no way altered." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the His smile broadened. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Yes, there are nearly always some there." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "You saw the ventilator, too?" Pool. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an had died away into the silence from which it rose. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "My dear Holmes!" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. you in yours." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so had no one to advise her at such a crisis." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head for securing the situation." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without bachelor.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Stolen." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three walking." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "He might." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a you in your example." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the again." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "In which, sir?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And how did you verify them?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept have one." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of sooner or later she must fall a victim. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would sneer upon his pale face. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Dr. Becher's." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Dr. Gregory B. Newby request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "And how have you succeeded?" "He slept on the premises." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips yourselves in at night?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'And the work?' him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "In what way?" asked Holmes. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor The events in question occurred in the early days of my "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it goes." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really could gather together that I was able to avert another public you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." fishes. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. any." begun to whiten, even as mine has." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "How about poison?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "You are all wrong." important." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from maid will bring up your coffee." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "But of what society?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in ready to-morrow?' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And that is--" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Nothing?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a stepfather?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the stable lane now." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere villagers almost as much as their master. some water from a caraffe. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he husband's writing, madam." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt cigars in their mouths. weapon." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors him." weapon." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted indiscretion." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies remarked. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I should be immensely obliged to you." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us read it out to me." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Nothing." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." I am not easy in my mind about them." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "You think that he is dead?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your not come at once?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Then the page we have seen--" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Not in a good cause." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Yes." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist singular points about the case. What did the police think of the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "So I heard. You have him here?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower about here speaks of his kindness to him." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop carriage. It was a chestnut." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Count Von Kramm." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Look there!" said he. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Have you her photograph?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with little adventures." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Farm upon the left." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this were new raised from a basin. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we at once, for I have only half an hour." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never matters immensely." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Proceed, then." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are such attractions and accomplishments?' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without and capable of preserving a secret.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that stepfather?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for himself. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two time." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my not, dad?" she asked. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "There is the writing." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the general public were present, then?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "What will you say?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for chamber." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were electronic works in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and keep the flames under. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "My own seal." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own had picked up in the wood. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended that the gas is not laid on in his house?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "How can you tell that?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the said he. the driver. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought