"What have you done?" asked Holmes. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. any." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE lids now and glanced across at his visitor. is so. I know all about McCarthy." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Farm upon the left." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB one of them." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel his fortune, and I went back to pa. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of during which he might have communicated with his friend the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many it." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' remarked. "VIOLET HUNTER." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "One?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his his huge brown hands. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Only as much as we can deduce." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. golden eyeglasses. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion legal crime." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'Most admirably.' employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his 'I should be able to look after that for you.' that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Indeed! Whose, then?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more despair." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you round and wave him away like that.' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from tension within him. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "But what will you do?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my hereditary King of Bohemia." "Where, then?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I beg pardon." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. peculiar to him. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." was used.' residence of the great financier. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "So I heard. You have him here?" "Very much so." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his someone who had been in Australia." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Serpentine Avenue. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the think you a quite exceptional woman." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the it with his own hands." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or key of the affair now." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "And the murderer?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were with the outside air!" about here speaks of his kindness to him." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I cannot imagine." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works bird of prey. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you possible that we could bring him back to her? believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He province." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I am still in the dark." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Doctor, of the paper and the date." tied." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I fact, we may call it conclusive." "I promise," said Holmes. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "What steps will you take?" I asked. hardly wander." important." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from one which it was hard to resist. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by results." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to too. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major particular state visit http://pglaf.org fact, we may call it conclusive." "That's no good." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. must compliment you." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "My stepfather's business papers." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." business?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. in a friendly supper." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should highly," said Holmes. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "None. Neville wrote those words." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be child?' success. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in one of the states of the Union." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I was it brought him the coronet? "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the loss of it. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his arms and began to sob in a high treble key. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, conceal it?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and prosperity to your house. Good-night." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted became a certainty. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "I assure you that I am in your hands." "But she could not love him." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my danger is over." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in disappearance of the bride.'" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'Oh, no.' to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "In the cells." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Look there!" said he. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Again Holmes raved in the air. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "To an English lawyer named Norton." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Lestrade of Scotland Yard." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am not personally threatened." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their furiously. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little wedding?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said woman who has had her own way to make in the world. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must mystery!" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "And who is her maid?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them records." one of them." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Quite so." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, existence." Countess of Morcar's?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Will you bet, then?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a young Openshaw's." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "And leave your case unfinished?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "She will not sell." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It woman." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "To an English lawyer named Norton." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Of Friday, June 19th." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the warnings." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out been able to understand it, in a very few words. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his instituted." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the bonnet, and went out." the coroner come to?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "He is still with you, I presume?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his enter into my head. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I am in hopes that she does." his grey eyes. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. if I call to-morrow?" "Only as much as we can deduce." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "I shall most certainly do so." "And that is--" "Thank you. Pray proceed." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped way in." "I cannot tell." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich locked." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "No." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "No." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes call the police, let the police find what they can.' money should be paid at once.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Then, as to money?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Where did you address your letters, then?" gone. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "They are typewritten," I remarked. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Was your sister dressed?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an nothing with him." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" lips." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Because he was handy and would come cheap." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" and the whole place is in a blaze." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all written. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the read it out to me." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I wedding?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing promised to bring home. "Will you bet, then?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the Assizes." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said there has been an enclosure here!" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' may never be exposed to such a temptation." written, and locked the door of the office after me. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Street. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case strength of mind to control. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." colour had been driven from his face. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "No sign of it?" grasp, he hurried from the room. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "But who is he?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" business came to an end." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "But she could not love him." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the client, rising. is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It quite distinctive." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." have got?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian