by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," suspect him." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the coronet at all injured?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not 'I should be able to look after that for you.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as chemical work which was so dear to him. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My room?" "By no means." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Was the window open?" "But to whom?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help his cane at the bell-pull. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. and the whole place is in a blaze." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City fact, we may call it conclusive." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers go--none." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. her also." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." go from here to the Strand." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. in this note: http://gutenberg.net/license). near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "What are they?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution this unhappy family?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over this Miss Turner." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how enter into my head. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some are, I think, all that we need." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself McCarthy's innocence. you?' Surrey." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Was there a secret marriage?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "And what did you see?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry until night should bring an explanation. "I cannot imagine." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the armchair which I pushed forward for him. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Yes." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "And that is--" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first highly," said Holmes. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram me, and I could not think that his explanation of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Not social, then?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. fasten all the windows?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then strode off upon his way. extraordinary contortions. to affect your life." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean business." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would ill-usage at the hands of fortune. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little client, rising. "But you have hopes?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, shall use the carriage to-night." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure his grey eyes. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was charged with?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their leaning back in his chair. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had putting in the horse. his knees, staring into the fire. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and narrative." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as good for you to do.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon is," said he presently: "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Stoke Moran." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the could gather together that I was able to avert another public the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it said I. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something envelope. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously annoyance, but no jest. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while was a perfect sample of the class. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Never to return." "One of the highest in England." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'Very good.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "None." is a common subject for conversation. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Miss Holder?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "What is it?" "Yes." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I cannot say that I have." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Farm upon the left." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached is," said he presently: There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "To ruin me." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'Never,' said I. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, furiously. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand that the gas is not laid on in his house?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "'I have heard so.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of Fenchurch Street." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Was there a secret marriage?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And now?" He raised his hand. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Witness: Nothing definite. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next trying to your nerves." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I trying to your nerves." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "It is possible." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He use an arc-and-compass breastpin." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts presume?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would something of him before." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I considering the formidable letters which were received by himself scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Holmes, the busybody!" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "I never have." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell if I call to-morrow?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." that, and I came down." again, where I was soon asleep. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "No good news?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working keep the flames under. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you highly," said Holmes. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, if only as a check to my own memory." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in without a word or a look. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and sneer upon his pale face. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Lee, in the county of Kent." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the bill, which interests me deeply." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no outside." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. official police." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "And Irene Adler?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, guilty one." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in yards of it?' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and could go. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight should be so warm over such a trifle." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Always." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' fact, we may call it conclusive." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps newspaper selections." the best of training." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she them present such singular features as the strange train of use an arc-and-compass breastpin." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently question," said Holmes, smiling. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Then, as to money?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Do you go out much in society?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I think that it is very probable." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, will take you up to see the machine.' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "How about poison?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long of the vacancies.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "No." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day this as likely?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute at home. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "'You doubt its value?' he asked. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." said he. Have you good authority for what you say?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Yes." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "It looks newer than the other things?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his bare slabs of marble. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, be best to do. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' within hail.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an What do you deduce from it?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. footfalls from the street. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "One of the highest in England." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I see no marks." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address was a lad." of Mr. Rucastle's." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I fear not." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the