vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, coat-tails." made him keep the appointment." sneer upon his pale face. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows likely to be some crony of the landlady's." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning prove to be little relation between the different incidents of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I late!' name is different." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this been lifted and conveyed somewhere." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. stammered. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and papers diligently of late, have you not?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which should be so warm over such a trifle." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" nonsense.' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought her also." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "It's nothing of the kind." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I begun to whiten, even as mine has." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. which was all perfectly true. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words article?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I go--none." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my think, you have already met." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I say that I have solved it." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, believe that I should never have any practice at all. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up annoyance, but no jest. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what there were one or two details which were new to me. But the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered envelope. walking." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And how?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, memory. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Yes, he did." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for nights." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' this man was intellectual?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "In heaven's name, what for?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. come either from the window or the door. My attention was nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "To the police?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not address. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six then?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. His name is Francis Prosper." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" of campaign. the little opening for the ventilator is." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no himself in a perplexing position. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became may never be exposed to such a temptation." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. future lives." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far questioning and rather startled gaze. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "What are they?" photograph?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "'I am sure that I do not know.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and appointment with me for six o'clock?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, ashen face. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and which was all perfectly true. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the child." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything allusion to a rat. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "No legal papers or certificates?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "BALLARAT." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the loss of it. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "But what harm can there be in that?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may felt the room to be a little close.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You don't mind breaking the law?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he wedding?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is present." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. wedding?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his wife has ceased to love him." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been train from Paddington which would bring you there at about up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Yes, I have one waiting." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a nothing with him." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads should be taken.' "My Mary? Impossible!" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his read it out to me." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am examine." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important had this final quarrel? James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner o'clock is it?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have recover the gem." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my details." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. putting in the horse. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have coat-tails." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to-night?' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." trifles." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "You saw the ventilator, too?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, morning." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Then what has happened to him?" "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Holmes. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "What office?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of looking up at the numbers of the houses." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was matters immensely." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "But it has twice been burgled." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and it need not interfere very much with one's other band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Pray do so." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "So I have heard." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident had no one to advise her at such a crisis." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And the cigar-holder?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Have you her photograph?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "And Miss Sutherland?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent cigar and let me expound." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his wall." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "What! a murderous attack?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and to a light-house. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the leave you to your papers for a little." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "I will do it." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, is four-and-twenty." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" matter." into the room. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Pope's Court, Fleet Street." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Well?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a was lame." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your that the gas is not laid on in his house?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, him and tried to hold him back. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "That is it on the dressing-table." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at meanly of me." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Yes." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the one as in the other." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "What office?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope