Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the a suggestive one." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "On Monday." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'What, the red-headed man?' opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the matter." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "What I expected to see." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every green of the new foliage. the coronet in his hand?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "How long did she speak to this Alice?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "No, finished." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my happened." "A greater distance to travel." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the photograph?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not meant it for the best. Serpentine Avenue. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, second." me have 200 pounds?' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes, there are nearly always some there." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "No. What a strange idea!" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "On your arm?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds lips." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Ample." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Very much so." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort window when the police appeared." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in said he. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands you found me to-night--and running through the front room she cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his house for five minutes.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he to arrive at through this?" the loss of it. "What do you mean?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there footfalls from the street. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the devil!" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Precisely so. But how--" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me constraint." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, remarked. "Come in!" said Holmes. it." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to very old mansion. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in likely to be some crony of the landlady's." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," that before taking the final step I should like to submit the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Entirely." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more perplexity from it to my illustrious client. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "No, I am descending." redistribution. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that tell him that I know him to be innocent." experiences." "Then, how do you know?" a very grave face. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But who is he?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, you want, then?' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "How did you deduce the select?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his galvanised. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for said he. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "In the cells." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And is that all?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached exactly what you advise." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may coat-tails." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "By train from Waterloo." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Why serious?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Of Friday, June 19th." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, province." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "How are you getting on?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and the church but not where the lady lived." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always have been better. It is all right." for securing the situation." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. do.' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, them, and came down just as you departed. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Heh?' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the general public were present, then?" until night should bring an explanation. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he wanted for ourselves." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I will get her to show me." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you friend's singular character. business." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." open." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my interest. They are important, you understand, without being conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what forbidden door. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the photograph a cabinet?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of could not account in any way for the presence of the missing firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a yards of it?' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you purpose of examination. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Munro.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. mystery!" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and went to the Alpha were town bred." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' His name is Francis Prosper." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of little trying to do so much typewriting?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "What do you mean?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do security.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "And help." to miss it." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I say it is." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Ha! you find it so?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are as yours." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but chair. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Pray continue your narrative." "I am all attention, madam." "We were both in the photograph." you understand?" "Not him." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I gentleman's clothes. later, upon the night of May 2nd." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said relief. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in must be when I saw the door open.' "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident electronic works the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. delirious. my secret was safe in his possession. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and capable of preserving a secret.' Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it mystery." best detective that ever lived. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "And how did you find out?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and during that time.' "'And the work?' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional without a word or a look. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for ran thus: yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "And who is her maid?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who into the bag, and made for the door. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You forget that I know nothing about it." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I have come for advice." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There opened the door, and slipped through. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had held up the lantern and gazed about him. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Yes." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "What then?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the six. Come in!" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "And that is--" "An accident, I presume?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father generous with you in money matters.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The fled together." "Pray do so." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed security.' dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and father's young wife. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Texas, I think." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Where is it, then?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical attention." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sentimental considerations in the background which would induce constraint." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "What will you do, then?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange case-book, which he consulted. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." weapon." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'Very good.' stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "The gentleman I describe." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm interest. They are important, you understand, without being prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the room while you explain this matter?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "That was it, sir." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from at a side door. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I have solved it." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "A client, then?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." I nodded to show that I had heard. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'I am sure if I had known--' "And your father? Did you tell him?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid walking." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. closely." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's character. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had residence of the great financier. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I am in hopes that she does." hour?' "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I