unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire asked. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I fluttered off among the others. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are character. would apply.' records." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." direction." will he say when he returns?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were felt the room to be a little close.' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out on in his house." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the have got?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "What can it mean?" I gasped. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. a suggestive one." upon the sideboard." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. The events in question occurred in the early days of my the matter?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy pictures, libraries, or plate. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes, that is the Crown." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with instincts rose up against that laugh. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search James Windibank. Voilà tout!" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present situation." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from seven miles from Eyford Station.' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. populous neighbourhood." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that get her out of the way." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the I nodded to show that I had heard. "'In my own bureau.' client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned unprecedented a position." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend see a sister of mine apply for." there in twenty minutes." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of dramatic, in fact." "'About the same.' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "On your arm?" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he bird of prey. particular state visit http://pglaf.org the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, hurried away. "And for present expenses?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming legal crime." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to some other building. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon noble correspondent could be. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. power." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his union?" "Where to?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away was lame." danger is over." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I in his hands." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "What!" he roared. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited have been better. It is all right." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached The King stared at him in amazement. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the nights." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "And the cigar-holder?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "I think that it is very probable." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that crowd. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" see a sister of mine apply for." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' strength in the others." too. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical this poor creature." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition in darkness. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did then?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and the colonel ushered me in. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "And from a noble client?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in his hands." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly here." you?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said to Leatherhead. on in his house." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be morning." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never III. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Thank you. And your address?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it down from London to inquire more deeply into it." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, examine." "Ah!" "This photograph!" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Where, then, is my wife?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were recover the gem." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the his knees, staring into the fire. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no generous with you in money matters.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Quite sure, dad.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "But what harm can there be in that?" "At what time?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "That you are never beaten." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "And your mother is alive?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, The summons was a brief and urgent one. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and before the coroner and the police-court." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at recall any case within my experience which looked at the first 11:15.' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "And how?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to any little problem which you may submit to me." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing remarked. thought that she would have been so carried away." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained he bowed and left the room without another word. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my grasp, he hurried from the room. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly enough to aid us in our search." do you make of it all?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. conclusions. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, examine." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from my former friend and companion. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Yes?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Oh, fresh and glossy." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of weapon." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Sutherland. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "May I see it?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate that he has suffered." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small you give your casting vote to?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." are windows in it, of course?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I say it is." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of it with the greatest attention. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "But the mystery?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "That is easily got." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were figure." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! singular points about the case. What did the police think of the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the coroner come to?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "How do you know, then?" "Why, what do you mean?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "What can it mean?" I gasped. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham very old mansion. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the secret." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "And I." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. question. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Precisely." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'I shall certainly be there.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found you." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'You cannot say what it was?' stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "I never have." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his unclasping of his long thin hands. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Eyford at 11:15.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out appeared upon the scene." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Sutherland. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, in his hands." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I was sure that I might rely on you." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By that you can jump it.' she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Your presence might be invaluable." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, see a sister of mine apply for." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Where did he live, then?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I shall be delighted." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you prisoner's face. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do strode off upon his way. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, important." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the coroner come to?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and off." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the events than those which have happened in my own family."