"Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'Ample.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her disappearance of these gems?" go back?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the a suggestive one." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is works. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my later, upon the night of May 2nd." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and I shall be with you presently." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Countess of Morcar's?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the where she found matters as described by the last witness. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet cost them two and thirty pounds." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "And why?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had laugh and put his lips to my ear. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for hour?' "What I expected to see." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Then how many are there?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you mysterious end." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. drove away. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which experiences." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle bird I ate is country bred." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a I was concerned in it." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as You want to know what became of those geese?" them?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the villagers almost as much as their master. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather mysterious business." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that of." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." congenial hunt. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we John Swain, of St. Augustine. what these perils are?" own family. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "The Cedars?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their photograph?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Was there a secret marriage?" "Certainly." it right.' manager. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent following enigmatical notices: pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to change my dress. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Married! When?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." hands. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of green of the new foliage. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I have hopes." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and capable of preserving a secret.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the side-table." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was been shamefully used." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "How are you getting on?" His name is Francis Prosper." "But the mystery?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a know that the truth is known." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, definite end. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "In San Francisco, a year ago." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "No more words. Get out!" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Your French gold?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Where could I find him?' himself. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the coronet at all injured?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were he bowed and left the room without another word. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Not in the least." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "A call for help, you thought?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive at a side door. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "And I to find an enemy." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" particular state visit http://pglaf.org offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'Certainly not. But why?' have not had my rubber." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the side-table." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that galvanised. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as ran thus: that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see conceal it?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is we went to search for him, face downward in a little happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my had picked up in the wood. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little not as remarkable as your advertisement." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by yards of it?' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room success. them?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every following enigmatical notices: part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Literary Archive Foundation lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "How did you trace it, then?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "It certainly sounds feasible." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to strength." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Foundation to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a together. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed his face. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the very letters. But what is this written above them?' wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of not personally threatened." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "My dear Holmes!" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the States. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but have not had my rubber." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. weapon." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "What do you make of that, Watson?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "You are hungry," I remarked. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "From his hat?" gives a meaning to it." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with my former friend and companion. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This foot. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, when your master had gone out." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we promised to bring home. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his have established a very serious case against the son of the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Serpentine Avenue. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed he bowed and left the room without another word. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to your most interesting statement." "Entirely." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something past. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "And what then?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "My dear Holmes!" "And what did you learn from him?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average any little problem which you may submit to me." experiences." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Lee, in the county of Kent." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having seen the man in the road." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in his hands." front of me. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Certainly." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon one or two very singular points about this room. For example, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready this unhappy family?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin electronic works tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy come either from the window or the door. My attention was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Did you observe the colour?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him British peeress.'" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This later, upon the night of May 2nd." extraordinary contortions. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. companion imperturbably. to miss it." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I conceal it?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless shall not find me ungrateful." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I will, Miss Turner." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, with some details as to your case." man. chambers. "Quite so. She has her freedom." the side-table." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case call the police, let the police find what they can.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Pool. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears tied." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." strong reason behind." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." later, upon the night of May 2nd." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "What will you do, then?" the salesman. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "No. What a strange idea!" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Why serious?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from hands. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding