"Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official conclusions. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, My friend smiled. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it discontent upon his features. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six past. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin instincts rose up against that laugh. "I was sure that I might rely on you." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the back into the street. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our or other trace. But how on earth--" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'Entirely.' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "'As governess?' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check front of me. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "And that is--" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of enough to aid us in our search." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached so far?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending least a fellow-countryman. "But his left-handedness." had formerly been in part my own. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, results." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the tragedy. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to Leatherhead. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the very morning of the wedding." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It's nothing of the kind." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." in my life." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now very peculiar words of the dying woman?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual could not account in any way for the presence of the missing into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in I. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. within hail.' the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was shaken than I had ever seen him. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the dangers which encompass me." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." over part of the map. "What do you read?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "An enemy?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the dangers which encompass me." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds people in all walks of life. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I his wife has ceased to love him." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "What!" he roared. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my returned to France?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the more terrible than the truth. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the least a fellow-countryman. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He went to the Alpha were town bred." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no said he. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. furiously. foot. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "A confidential servant?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Well." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was from the brougham. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers relief. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." once more. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "It missed him, then?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door that he will be back before evening." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and wall." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in seven miles from Eyford Station.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "And I to find an enemy." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I answered that I had not. you in yours." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his new acquaintance to Baker Street. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "How often?" of receipt of the work. whether it answered to the description of any of their exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he tear off another piece?' and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us definite end. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other horse could go." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this lamp. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing who was a member of your goose club." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the national property. I was determined that the law should have its then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads the roots. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those what these perils are?" eat it." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in at once, for I have only half an hour." "What do you make of that, Watson?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection this Miss Turner." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I am following you closely," I answered. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length that?' "Of what day?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Have you good authority for what you say?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "And what did you learn from him?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their any more." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness again." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several have not had my rubber." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely such person." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting back to my heart. "'How far from the body?' star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of seven miles from Eyford Station.' "At the wedding breakfast." the little opening for the ventilator is." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim October 9, 1890. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'Yes, it was gone.' foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It that you can jump it.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project if only as a check to my own memory." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." people don't know." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "How do you know, then?" "Why, what do you mean?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem so.' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "But how did you gain them?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Pray be precise as to details," said he. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. introspective fashion. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. cigar and let me expound." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "So I am. Very much so." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Breckinridge is his name." "Stolen." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, stepfather?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to o'clock is it?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'What would be the hours?' I asked. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "No good news?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a crackling voice. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly tightly behind him. "No." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every key turn in the lock." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "No." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, ways of our fellow-men." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'About the same.' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Certainly, madam." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the crime." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little