was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' least a fellow-countryman. "No." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his forehead." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was not come at once?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' breakfast and whispered something to her husband. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that place, I think that there is good ground to think that the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until have got?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was hard-headed British jury." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was a lad." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, this poor creature." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest have got?" "Entirely." do.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "On your arm?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and o'clock is it?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I have a cab outside." "Is he quiet?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and voice, changing her seat as requested. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, as yours." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she once more to my work. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for voice. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at man. I know him from the photograph." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the roused himself from his reverie. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel if only as a check to my own memory." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of them, and came down just as you departed. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no what do you think they found in the pockets?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm tell him that I know him to be innocent." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "None. Neville wrote those words." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house once more for Briony Lodge. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "But his lameness?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But she will refuse." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. pictures, libraries, or plate. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. depend upon my doing so.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "How can you tell that?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "There is the writing." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Yes. He waved his hands." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly upon the sideboard." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with never came back." here." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "If I can be of use." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on to surprise her." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their wedding?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "My photograph." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us thought that she would have been so carried away." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'Not at all. I only doubt--' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "No bad?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this he died? homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five in the dead of the night?' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Yes, I have one waiting." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" have been better. It is all right." only touch the interest." "And what did you learn from him?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." directors, with the result that you have seen." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, mysterious end." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most here." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, done what I asked you, Jones?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned derbies." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself knowledge of the world." "'What do you call purely nominal?' been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'A dozen yards or so.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the lost nothing by them." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me like that before?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. place no limit on the sum I may draw." all that?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door golden eyeglasses. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying your equipment. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "My dear Holmes!" "'I shall certainly be there.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Quite so." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this carriage. It was a chestnut." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices the address that was given us in the advertisement. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It is to him that this trophy belongs." be. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said was a perfect sample of the class. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the warnings." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Nearly eleven." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her went to the Alpha were town bred." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish some mystery and the punishment of some crime." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was yards of it?' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me you." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me death." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could detective. "Certainly." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Well?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Serpentine Avenue. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "But who is he?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I never have." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of James Windibank. Voilà tout!" your bag." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." again." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "We have tried and failed." "I shall most certainly do so." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to examine." lips." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I will, Miss Turner." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so possible that we could bring him back to her? or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my with the outside air!" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the ceiling. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" villagers almost as much as their master. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were it with his own hands." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You horrify me!" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you newspaper selections." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the woman." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my families. Now for the facts. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be manager. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is companion. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I you in your example." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that discontent upon his features. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting place no limit on the sum I may draw." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the events, Mr. Windibank!" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I cannot tell." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish danger is over." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "By no means." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." figure." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, that you wished to speak to me?' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the this remarkable episode. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And Miss Sutherland?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she The telegram which we eventually received came late one night of his shoulders. "You are hungry," I remarked. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "To an English lawyer named Norton." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some morning." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back questionable one." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "To the police?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And why?" and inquire as to the address." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "And now?" I asked. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss possible that we could bring him back to her? "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at approach us with offers to donate. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Well, it is a possible supposition." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he