as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I shall be delighted." you." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but detained." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this to his chemical studies. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Yes." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up himself to tell his story. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and searched, without anything being found which could incriminate truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. I think that I could be of assistance to you." the coroner come to?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "In the cells." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, ventilator." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at promised to bring home. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Arthur Conan Doyle "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fuss that is made over them." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I cannot imagine." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm dramatic, in fact." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, leave you to your papers for a little." someone who had been in Australia." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "At what time?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. together. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to lost his Christmas dinner." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. it." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has which it had come upon my father." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "What office?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a chair. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I cannot say that I have." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It must be recovered." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. directly by questioning you." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took was feeling which was the fattest.' "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when maid will bring up your coffee." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching whereabouts. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Yes, there are nearly always some there." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. minor matters until to-morrow." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are begun to whiten, even as mine has." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to affect your life." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "It was an hour's good drive." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" congratulate you again." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into leaning back in his chair. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Eyford at 11:15.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I have one." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "But of what society?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and the colonel ushered me in. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" Street. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'Yes, I promise.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or bird of prey. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg about. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four detained." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "And Irene Adler?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our singular points about the case. What did the police think of the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Serpentine Avenue. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." conceal it?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I bled considerably." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. asked. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in bedroom door." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be may never be exposed to such a temptation." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and details." open." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I you." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I think that it is very probable." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper him, that man would not have given me such complete information serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I know where it is." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. John Swain, of St. Augustine. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year key of the affair now." do.' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite business at Coburg Square is serious." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and locked. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the signal between you and your father? more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the for and were ordered to this address. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Holmes. "But how?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Yes, but only for you and me." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or as yours." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I have hopes." "Was there a secret marriage?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Just look it up, then." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I tightly behind him. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Yes." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in I approached. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley leave you to your papers for a little." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I cannot imagine." thought that she would have been so carried away." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to definite end. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master that?' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Yes." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Edgeware Road. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon sake, don't!" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in there is a decided draught." me upon any point which I do not make clear." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, throat." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "But what will you do?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the taking in every detail of the apartment. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Tired-looking or fresh?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "But to whom?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which in the dead of the night?' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions where she found matters as described by the last witness. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "But how did you gain them?" families. Now for the facts. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything copied or distributed: "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Count Von Kramm." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest there!' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have had none more fantastic than this." note?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Whose house is it?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "That is not always so easy." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be then?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Did you become engaged then?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and laid it on the table. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I warn you that they are very incomplete." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am question you as to those details which seem to me to be most there!' question," said Holmes, smiling. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a so.' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled DISSOLVED. formed some opinion?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There companion imperturbably. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, McCarthy." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." events, Mr. Windibank!" left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "But you have hopes?" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both triumphant cloud from his cigarette. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable