my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand tell me that you intended to go into harness." purpose of examination. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Always." giving me time to thank him. "But I am all in the dark." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "He is still with you, I presume?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have crowd. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, be best to do. "And I say east," said my patient. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too character. spare." to that open window." "Absolutely none." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of the way of danger. companion. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of long narrative. "What is it?" money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." events than those which have happened in my own family." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I am in hopes that she does." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the had this final quarrel? long narrative. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you directly by questioning you." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of which we had just quitted. you do it in twenty minutes!' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got is so. I know all about McCarthy." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our again before evening." "No." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he lost nothing by them." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more which our visitor detailed to us. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the he bowed and left the room without another word. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I know where it is." forbidden door. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was already been minutely examined." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'Never,' said I. against a man in the prime of life?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the roots. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I forehead. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away of Fenchurch Street." father's place of business?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every brain must have something in it." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who digesting their breakfasts at home." the side-table." strength." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the crackling voice. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Seven!" I answered. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of was keenly on my guard against him. "The gentleman I describe." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. my little problems." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Then I shall certainly come." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Oh, no.' "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Was your sister dressed?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "And I say east," said my patient. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to man. I know him from the photograph." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "My stepfather's business papers." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "They are typewritten," I remarked. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "And how did you verify them?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'Entirely.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable upon the white wrist. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. photograph?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Of what?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "But to whom?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I shall be delighted." compunction about shooting them down." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." skylight. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Look there!" said he. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "How are you getting on?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which kind enough to tell me what I should do." gone. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Henry Baker is a member." south, for the country is more deserted there." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a laugh and put his lips to my ear. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand his fortune, and I went back to pa. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case directors, with the result that you have seen." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, that threaten you." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who woman." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped clang of the bell. jewels which you have stolen?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The this remarkable episode. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the upon a handsome competence. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly floor. wanted for ourselves." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "She showed me, as I told you she would." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Entirely." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good sound at heart." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" to have been novel and of interest." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Yes. He waved his hands." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried some terrible trap for her." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "What steps will you take?" I asked. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my forebodings. question. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Not social, then?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just that the gas is not laid on in his house?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Very truly yours, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of husband's writing, madam." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he you in your example." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "What will you do, then?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "That also I could fathom." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes, certainly." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE be.' than to us. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person most interesting one." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive simple cases which are so extremely difficult." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give away into the river." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you him. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The giving me time to thank him. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away before the coroner and the police-court." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Mrs. Toller serenely. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive chemical work which was so dear to him. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord open." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'Quite sure, dad.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." beg that you will break it off." "'You cannot say what it was?' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very careless servant girl?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our to miss it." "Which are?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt he died? "Did he not advertise?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." father's young wife. it." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the something of him before." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think knowledge of the world." room?" plantation.' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts open." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Where to?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Where to?' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "But you can know nothing of this?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes I nodded to show that I had heard. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that generous with you in money matters.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Well." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little said he, "my real name is James Ryder." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the present." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his been." everything which you would wish to know." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. call for it in person on Monday morning.' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and union?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'And the work?' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any