"I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his quite distinctive." "What do you make of that, Watson?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to correct than the official force." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "And why?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts I shall continue with my miserable story. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "She showed me, as I told you she would." the best of training." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "No, thank goodness, she did not." the best of training." that, and I came down." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" gives a meaning to it." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "But his lameness?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been copied or distributed: greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from jewels which you have stolen?' case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended to-night." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was This is what he says: compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Then how many are there?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three are windows in it, of course?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the night.' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to cigars in the box." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting indeed happy." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert village inn over there?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "We must sit without light. He would see it through the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been if I call to-morrow?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "But what will you do?" would then never go into court at all." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his views." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are orange pips. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "None. Neville wrote those words." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I cannot say that I have." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an know that the truth is known." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned acquaintance?" "None." on re-entering her father's house?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of the vacancies.' "The knees of his trousers." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm even of instruction." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet introspective fashion. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. electronic works bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a The police have openly confessed that they can at present make reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "In heaven's name, what for?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a copied or distributed: when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." you give your casting vote to?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is were new raised from a basin. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "A call for help, you thought?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "She told me to ask you." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, once more for Briony Lodge. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, your co-operation." observed. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Foundation and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'Yes, I promise.' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Not in the least." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal once more for Briony Lodge. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn wedding?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'Ten to two.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, joking. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well your room." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." always that they were such commands as a lady might with 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, situation." gone. article?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Have you good authority for what you say?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an said I. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Have you her photograph?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Eh? What was that?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight clang of the bell. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Well." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the stones. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he other means.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "What can you not understand?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." your most interesting statement." get the tickets." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to feature." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and capable of preserving a secret.' "But to whom?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Then I can wait in the next room." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the been deceived." bird I ate is country bred." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It will he say when he returns?" hands. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It long narrative. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "And why in hopes?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a beyond words. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "And why?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before approach us with offers to donate. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low horse could go." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive God! What an exposure! What can I do?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "That is not always so easy." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming think that he is innocent?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, shall not find me ungrateful." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Do you know him?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "You will not go there first?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat more terrible than the truth. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you morning." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. about here speaks of his kindness to him." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That's no good." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little that I am arrested." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Lee, in the county of Kent." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "You did not overhear what they said?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, read over the extraordinary announcement. "Where, then, is my wife?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." sake, don't!" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to have been novel and of interest." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But of what society?" "Not in the least." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the bed, and you in that chair." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "It is a murder, then?" "I cannot imagine." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over invisible to me," I remarked. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the coronet in his hand?" clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their of a light. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive an introduction to him?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, it were putty." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Yes." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and no precautions can guard against." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too whatever might befall. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with works. See paragraph 1.E below. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have I gained?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "I answered that I had not. "An accident, I presume?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' my former friend and companion. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the became a certainty. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the indeed happy." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that to tackle the facts." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of