their singular warning or token before them when starting upon not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated sit on the left-hand side of the driver." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which like that before?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "What do you make of that, Watson?" who was a member of your goose club." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, row." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." business matters.' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off keep the flames under. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hardly wander." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a generous with you in money matters.' were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I promise," said Holmes. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and I shall be with you presently." coroner's jury." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Dr. Gregory B. Newby filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You will not go there first?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and how narrow had been my escape. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without matters immensely." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. fasten all the windows?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my he bowed and left the room without another word. Sutherland. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lost nothing by them." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' returning from some small jollification and was making his way photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I shall most certainly do so." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Henry Baker is a member." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business ventilator." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and effective." have established a very serious case against the son of the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his garden below. "Why did you pick him?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Will you go?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "And your mother is alive?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "My last client of the sort was a king." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached His smile broadened. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "The gentleman I describe." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, spare." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "What will you say?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to spare." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed matter." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch society." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of weary and pale-looking. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Chief Executive and Director narrative." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. way in." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "That you are never beaten." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. behind me. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual me." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of could gather together that I was able to avert another public weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were not personally threatened." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, meant it for the best. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the would then never go into court at all." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my and have this put in the evening papers." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "One of his hands." not come at once?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the tragedy. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must keep the flames under. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "They are typewritten," I remarked. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered confronted him. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall do you make of it all?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the The King stared at him in amazement. in a friendly supper." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Gutenberg-tm License. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his green of the new foliage. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger certainly not very gracious." during that time.' "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works which our visitor detailed to us. comes from the middle window." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is to tackle the facts." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him interest. They are important, you understand, without being run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was some water from a caraffe. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream retorted upon me, and I on you." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Bought." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "It must be recovered." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Yes." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "'Yes, I promise.' "Then I shall certainly come." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and heavy and sharp instrument." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And lamp. client, rising. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I. "Absolutely none." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came The telegram which we eventually received came late one night surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Nor running a chance of arrest?" formed some opinion?" said I. your most interesting statement." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, an introduction to him?" "Absolutely none." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in anything to do with the matter?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" notes," he said. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt six. Come in!" round and wave him away like that.' A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "A confidential servant?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a official police." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss newspaper selections." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer without success. At last the little money which I had saved began mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "But how?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." success. back alive. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Nothing." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, papers diligently of late, have you not?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third next day. criminal. We have already had experience of such." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler said I. death." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. round with crates and massive boxes. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "No." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND you." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "And now?" He raised his hand. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which straighten it?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "To an end?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Why serious?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Yes." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor telegram would bring me down to your help." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I beg pardon." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Can I be of assistance?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "The rest you will leave in our hands." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he lamp in his hand. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "My last client of the sort was a king." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'I am sure if I had known--' "Will you go?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa could go. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the woven round him. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "We must have a cab." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings some place of shelter and let the county police know what has have been better. It is all right." evidence," I remarked. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the in his hands." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing it with his own hands." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending despair." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I cheerful." come either from the window or the door. My attention was is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away with you alone." know that the truth is known." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where indeed which he could not unravel. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across wall." "And from a noble client?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to a more successful conclusion." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of delighted to hear it," he said.