snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the details." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that like gravel from a pit.' "On Monday." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, union?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off impression behind it as though a window had gently closed possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three danger is over." at once, for I have only half an hour." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him in one or two places in England?' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest you understand?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'Entirely.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. tail." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and thought that she would have been so carried away." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his acquaintance?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney with some details as to your case." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done gone before you can get him to hospital." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" way in everything. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. exactly what you advise." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a this as likely?" with the outside air!" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Farm upon the left." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then washing it down with a long draught of water. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are him!" gone. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "To ruin me." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where of the one which your family is now devouring." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, feature." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Pray do so." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Yes, only one." "Did your wife hear all this?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Yes?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one father's young wife. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "The murder was done with it." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Mary, has deserted me." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Nothing." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a gone before you can get him to hospital." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the coroner come to?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here against a man in the prime of life?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was were unconscious?" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more sit on the left-hand side of the driver." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "She walked into the breakfast-room." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I we went to search for him, face downward in a little at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King my former friend and companion. ceremony." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Can I be of assistance?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the inquest, and which are worth considering." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds know that the truth is known." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he forecastle of an emigrant ship. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I see many objections to any such theory." only touch the interest." "Come in!" said Holmes. "And it is--" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Was she in good spirits?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" locked." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Have you her photograph?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Was your sister dressed?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten directors have had misgivings upon the subject." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me knowledge of the world." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that States. III. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." friends, not even his own brother. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," instituted." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Her father is very rich?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when at once, for I have only half an hour." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer presented more singular features than that which was associated "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of outsides of the windows. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Foundation have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I have it here in my museum." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "You will not go there first?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction least a most suspicious remark." "He said too much." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had together. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of went to the Alpha were town bred." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our down in his armchair and closing his eyes. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some outbreak?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "No?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very his eyes and forehead. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' four million human beings all jostling each other within the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Where did you address your letters, then?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'Most admirably.' "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I should like to see him very much." you understand?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "And that is--" "This photograph!" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he along the entire front of the house, with three long windows moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and unclasping of his long thin hands. here." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and infinite languor in his face. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "But you were on a friendly footing?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in certainly not very gracious." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the him to be an active member of the medical profession." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to back to my heart. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "To an English lawyer named Norton." you in your example." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Never.' your own bird, so if you wish--" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "On Monday." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the address that was given us in the advertisement. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice late!' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good conceal it?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as anything to do with the matter?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged beyond words. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "I guessed as much." know that the truth is known." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, brandy and water within his reach. bonnet, and went out." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in his hands." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he new duties?' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps you?' part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black like that before?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Her father is very rich?" "But we can't all be." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of a light. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, shoulder. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "He might." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham at my own good fortune. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Ah, but I was recommended to you." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is ordinary clothes on?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, something of him before." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "This photograph!" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook coroner's jury." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in shag which I had seen upon the previous night. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would handed it to him. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a who was a member of your goose club." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, enough to aid us in our search." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "It is possible." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. as yours." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the questioning and rather startled gaze. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not have accepted such a situation. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully drawing your inferences." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Gutenberg-tm License. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the night.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Yes." "Yes." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving closing the door. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain and a shock of very red hair. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of