has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to reach." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your shoulder; "he's all right." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced during that time.' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what because she had spent so short a time in this country that she my room." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our man. I know him from the photograph." "You have the photograph?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Yes." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my know all about it," he snarled. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could where she found matters as described by the last witness. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman your bag." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and your relations to her." "Where, then?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to is now desirous of getting those letters back." Sutherland?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor call for protection in the marriage market, for the present and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled that before taking the final step I should like to submit the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project pressing in one house as in another. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. as he remarks, very much against the son." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper would then never go into court at all." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect client, rising. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "It is possible." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there down. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel might have a private word with us. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, was a lad." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I lectures into a series of tales." and capable of preserving a secret.' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Holmes. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'I have already given you my word.' the tragedy. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "My stepfather's business papers." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he interests were the same as his." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Never." your equipment. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, obstinate." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the prisoner's face. "And Irene Adler?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I don't believe it." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little American. Then who could this American be, and why should he her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "You are all wrong." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, astonishment. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to over here." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." pound a week." "Have you her photograph?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the iron safe, which he closed upon it. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I think it very unlikely." "Precisely." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the made his money." approach us with offers to donate. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was fat-encircled eyes. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes became a certainty. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Entirely.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Not him." lectures into a series of tales." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the nursery. "'Yes, sir.' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do ready to-morrow?' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking any." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all occurred." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project your own bird, so if you wish--" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for her also." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." must compliment you." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to-night?' voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the coroner come to?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Certainly." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that to you." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. reach." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the back into the street. tear off another piece?' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely introspective fashion. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. What do you deduce from it?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. quite distinctive." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "You think that he is dead?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Farm upon the left." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and rooms." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "And what did you see?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." morning." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon despaired of." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE forecastle of an emigrant ship. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Then the page we have seen--" there in twenty minutes." "Was he the only applicant?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the rose-bushes. giving me time to thank him. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark present." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four coat-tails." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public imbecility!" he cried. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he would then never go into court at all." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I this unhappy family?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I think it very unlikely." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab points to suicide?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close upon an income of about 60 pounds." her also." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "I came to find a friend." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all and no precautions can guard against." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it envelope. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Where does the thing come from?' "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'A dozen yards or so.' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which soul! here is her carriage at the door." and put his glass in his pocket. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and straighten it?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "And on what day did he meet his death?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now were wasted." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the It may be so in this case, also." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Very truly yours, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that written, and locked the door of the office after me. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "'Where to?' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, plantation.' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I was afraid that you were engaged." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime undoubtedly my uncle's." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. foresight and the moral retrogression?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You of his shoulders. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'What are you doing there?' he asked. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "One of the highest in England." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could The events in question occurred in the early days of my certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "A confidential servant?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "I have seen the police." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely know what is wrong with it.' my special province." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I dates and names. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I will not look." drove away. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "He said that you could solve anything." happened." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No was shining brightly. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I don't believe it." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from been deceived." Mrs. Toller serenely. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Married! When?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "If so, much may have happened between." place no limit on the sum I may draw." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which certainly not very gracious." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his closely." Holmes' face clouded over. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had words came to my lips. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy suggested at once that there must be a communication between the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I