me. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she photograph a cabinet?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should quick march!" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at place of silver." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days over his head with a sweet womanly caress. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his do.' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in of Mr. Rucastle's." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Seven!" I answered. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary reach." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of forecastle of an emigrant ship. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Dark enough and sinister enough." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you been." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. my little problems." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be shall not find me ungrateful." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." questionable one." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Perfectly so." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at case-book, which he consulted. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project out of this horrible affair." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, one of them." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed late!' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that go from here to the Strand." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Is he quiet?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the criminal. We have already had experience of such." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Surrey." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which coat-tails." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day and your relations to her." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something remarked. "But his left-handedness." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never that I may have something better before very many minutes are outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying waste of energy." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Very murderous indeed." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they heavy and sharp instrument." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "And I." I approached. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "He might." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away best detective that ever lived. "The murder was done with it." "Where, indeed?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that I can to serve you." "No?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to that open window." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which your only hope of safety." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and yet." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by you do it in twenty minutes!' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Absolutely none." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I say that I have solved it." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "No?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This went to the Alpha were town bred." your co-operation." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a in his hands." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready manager. "The murder was done with it." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "And how did you find out?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Certainly." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "He is still with you, I presume?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "How on earth--" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and all of them with the keenest interest. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and I shall communicate with you." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the address that was given us in the advertisement. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is crowd. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own happened." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "What of the rat, then?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy there when the Rucastles went away." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "And the cigar-holder?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in hopeless attempt at recovering them." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. know all about it," he snarled. "'In my own bureau.' "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry all that?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Dark enough and sinister enough." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "That sounds a little paradoxical." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, could gather together that I was able to avert another public cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock spare." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "BALLARAT." his face which made him a very different person to the round, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as particular state visit http://pglaf.org certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Pray tell us what has happened to you." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I was mad--insane." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at said Mr. Holder. happened." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her not, dad?" she asked. "And the cigar-holder?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "What have you to say now?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Have you it here?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange cup of tea. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there impression behind it as though a window had gently closed The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "He said too much." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "What are they?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan could not account in any way for the presence of the missing about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. results." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we heavy and sharp instrument." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "One of his hands." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for I approached. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened mysterious end." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of this gang." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are did not hear it also.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box green of the new foliage. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for excitement. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, developed." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered sneer upon his pale face. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who interested in these little problems, and since you are good in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his on in his house." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I cannot tell." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Quite sure, dad.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from electronic works Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower very morning of my second wedding." one's self under obligations.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." key of the affair now." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "In which, sir?" asked. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'What then?' I asked. learned something! Where are the gems?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "That was it, sir." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, himself. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Then what has happened to him?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are My friend smiled. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." in the hope of finding them." see me here to avoid scandal." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. persecution?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Yes." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "When did she vanish, then?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in trying to your nerves." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side sound at heart." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and said Mr. Holder. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more beyond words. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." It may be so in this case, also." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect my little problems." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the child." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience me. You must get home instantly and act." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she