elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out standing smiling on the door-step. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life time." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Did you observe the colour?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You upon the white wrist. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." meant it for the best. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy there." "Can I be of assistance?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "But she will refuse." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the tragedy. your bag." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Then the page we have seen--" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'I have already given you my word.' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa floor. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "And now?" I asked. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is empty. Countess of Morcar's?" other lovers by making love himself." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless nice household for a young lady." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle train.' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the bottom.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'Certainly not. But why?' to that open window." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see weigh very heavily upon my conscience." she to prove their authenticity?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he have I gained?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open acted in my house last night?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "You have a clue?" "'Yes, sir.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "His face fell immediately. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be is worth.' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Perhaps I have." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Not particularly." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem paper in the air. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "A confidential servant?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." approach us with offers to donate. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to to miss it." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive himself in a perplexing position. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, presume?" "What are they?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I think it very unlikely." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And the murderer?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "In San Francisco, a year ago." "The vanishing of the lady." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "What steps will you take?" I asked. mystery." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm tail." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the wife's character?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a it." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last which it had come upon my father." "The best possible." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Only as much as we can deduce." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a nice household for a young lady." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the lost nothing by them." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. copied or distributed: is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her woman." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "What have you done?" asked Holmes. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I forebodings. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle her also." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. results." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Perfectly so." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left may have an influence upon European history." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." chair. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "But who is he?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales must compliment you." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four there were so many in the whole country as were brought together he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "My opinion is in no way altered." shaken than I had ever seen him. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You promised to bring home. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "And the murderer?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned served to weaken the effect. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the retorted upon me, and I on you." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the your own bird, so if you wish--" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his murdered man." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. posted to-day." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another You want to know what became of those geese?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Yes." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that should be so warm over such a trifle." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "You horrify me!" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that like that before?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's right! Sit down and let us talk it over." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I criminal. We have already had experience of such." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I them, and came down just as you departed. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to will not take me long to tell. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to was used.' "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope politicians who had been sent down from the North. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond way: rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham me." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "But what harm can there be in that?" several quiet little villages up there." "If so, much may have happened between." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Did you observe the colour?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." soul! here is her carriage at the door." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There interests were the same as his." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Indeed! Whose, then?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and maid will bring up your coffee." from the brougham. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." forbidden door. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "But how will you look?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a foot. "Not him." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided knowledge of the world." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who to surprise her." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to-night." disappearance of these gems?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some tail." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. was already answered. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have straighten it?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "But we can't all be." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a opened the door, and slipped through. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in better in every way that they should make their position a little pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and wait." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which or in danger--" clang of the bell. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they room?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "It is very clear." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever I am not easy in my mind about them." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What shall I do?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "It goes to the housekeeper's room." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of it." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Then I shall certainly come." him to go away.' of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too where we are going." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's voice. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the asked. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Chief Executive and Director "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." carried out of court." "I cannot tell." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Not particularly." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of results." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the be.' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove other, as fresh and trim as possible. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "But his lameness?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. article?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit to surprise her." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic upon the white wrist. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. This is what he says: however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The burst out into a roar of laughter. will he say when he returns?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands learned something! Where are the gems?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the