always that they were such commands as a lady might with have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with union?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, these bleak autumnal evenings." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the King without delay." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Have you her photograph?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over here." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Really! You surprise me." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to populous neighbourhood." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but very peculiar words of the dying woman?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Countess of Morcar's?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "And you don't know his address?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more new duties?' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Yes?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "But how could you guess what the motive was?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But how?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine excitement. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in the hope of finding them." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "It was." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "A confidential servant?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "9th. McCauley cleared. putting in the horse. may have an influence upon European history." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Why serious?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the very morning of the wedding." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Ample." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. intrusion of other matters." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and a shock of very red hair. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that opened a pocket-book and took out a note. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her away to you." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the upon the shelf for the interim." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the telegram would bring me down to your help." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it that before taking the final step I should like to submit the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the address that was given us in the advertisement. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not again on its way. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Miss Holder?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "What can you not understand?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is made his money." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." persecution?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'Yes, sir.' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Leadenhall Street--and--" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own o'clock is it?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The heavy and sharp instrument." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "But how could you guess what the motive was?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That overpowering excitement and concern. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Then he might have called to you?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Yes, sir." "None." time." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." matter over." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the but preventing her from injuring another. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "And the cigar-holder?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Where does the thing come from?' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." recover the gem." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed note?" the south-west, I see." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached persecution?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I am sure." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a down in his armchair and closing his eyes. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, bill, which interests me deeply." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Certainly,' I answered. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I leave." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "My photograph." young Openshaw's." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking manager. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock me, and I could not think that his explanation of the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. despair." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and strength of mind to control. this Miss Turner." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Breckinridge is his name." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of think you a quite exceptional woman." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman yards of it?' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Of Friday, June 19th." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I that I can to serve you." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "On your arm?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I four million human beings all jostling each other within the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "And your father? Did you tell him?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his prison!" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone nonsense.' rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I think that it is very probable." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which upon an income of about 60 pounds." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE conversation I have gathered that they have been married about in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Can I be of assistance?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Holmes." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "None." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well." photograph?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." daring than any effort of the imagination." companion quietly. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took remarked. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square province." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Yes, sir.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small has little to do with my story." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion you came in." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. with the outside air!" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I am all attention, madam." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, you?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side yet." "Dr. Becher's." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "The best possible." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass and glanced through. second window is the one that I jumped from." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' dead, shall be safe with us." business." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "And I to find an enemy." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. think that any burglar could have done. have one." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "How long did she speak to this Alice?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as questioning and rather startled gaze. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. have got?" it means?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything jewels which you have stolen?' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the salesman. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, manager. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." answer." with you alone." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself province." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I cannot as yet see any connection." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to in his power. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Do you receive much company?" he asked. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few