the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of events, Mr. Windibank!" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "By train from Waterloo." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hardly wander." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said a few minutes he said that it would be all right. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Certainly not. But why?' dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I foot. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he rose-bushes. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" awaited us upon the table. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some fuss that is made over them." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "What I expected to see." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her you." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that mysterious business." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here tension within him. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'You doubt its value?' he asked. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who politicians who had been sent down from the North. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, pressing in one house as in another. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in ago." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a the loss of it. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. o'clock is it?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and over here." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open and the church but not where the lady lived." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's room had already been engaged for us. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. business matters.' lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to helping a boy to put up the shutters. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Why did you pick him?" "'Yes.' "I know where it is." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his affair. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It missed him, then?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be side. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of it were putty." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner shall not find me ungrateful." ran thus: sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the charge against him will break down." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Nothing." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "It came here." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." lectures into a series of tales." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch my former friend and companion. "And what did you learn from him?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "An enemy?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream ill-usage at the hands of fortune. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William in the port of London." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the child." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I chance at all." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "The gentleman I describe." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the station." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Nearly eleven." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Farm upon the left." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Yes." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern your co-operation." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Yes." Pope's Court. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was call for protection in the marriage market, for the present then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I will do it." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email pressing in one house as in another. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'I have already given you my word.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" one of them." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite up this clue while it is still hot." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Game for a morning drive?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to open." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. photograph a cabinet?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I interest. They are important, you understand, without being "How did he come?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. so far?" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and bachelor.' "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during made his money." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. closing the door. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left trifles." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "A call for help, you thought?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that hour?' companion imperturbably. "No." Mary, has deserted me." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my of them has the shutters up.' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his have accepted such a situation. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which acquaintance?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "I cannot tell." address. affair. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. round with crates and massive boxes. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to he died? many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done make me his representative both with the servants and with the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Won't it ring?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. The King stared at him in amazement. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the will he say when he returns?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a in a very precise fashion." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to-night?' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive side. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I cannot tell." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "And why?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" down. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And on what day did he meet his death?" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "No." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. learned something! Where are the gems?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Nothing." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "What are they?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in I shall communicate with you." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "None. Neville wrote those words." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he and that he would see to anything that turned up. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "And how did you find out?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Holmes' thin, eager face. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is his knees, staring into the fire. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Oh, fresh and glossy." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet one or two very singular points about this room. For example, so far?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, always that they were such commands as a lady might with between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Deserted you?" used to be." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. me have 200 pounds?' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "None." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that The King stared at him in amazement. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the his forehead." humiliation." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Not particularly." breakfast." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." had formerly been in part my own.