crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" had formerly been in part my own. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Was there a secret marriage?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the such attractions and accomplishments?' case before our client came into the room." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "At the wedding breakfast." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, views." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the undoubtedly my uncle's." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this good for you to do.' "Two days later this same performance was gone through under found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds undoubtedly my uncle's." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it round with crates and massive boxes. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Dirty?" round with crates and massive boxes. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the business matters.' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. such person." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Yes, the wine-cellar." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so call for it in person on Monday morning.' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open disturbance in my wife." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a cheerful." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. believe that I should never have any practice at all. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose back into the street. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just out." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just get the tickets." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, a very grave face. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his friends, not even his own brother. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my had this final quarrel? "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the roused himself from his reverie. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this You can understand that this register and diary may implicate reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook acquaintance?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods whereabouts. interested in these little problems, and since you are good air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I cannot think." retorted upon me, and I on you." "You horrify me." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are second window is the one that I jumped from." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. this as likely?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Yes." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand if I call to-morrow?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was good-night and bustled off upon her way. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "'And what are they worth?' I asked. footfalls from the street. "I say that I have solved it." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "She showed me, as I told you she would." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved shoulder. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" room had already been engaged for us. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Yes." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out himself to hunt down. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have despaired of." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." fire. You quite follow me?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' to tell." "Where, indeed?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Then what has happened to him?" "'Entirely.' "One of his hands." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all respectable self." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I never have." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a certainly not very gracious." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating during that time.' photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening next day. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of the way of danger. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel less than 26s. 4d. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was sufficient punishment." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged business?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "We must sit without light. He would see it through the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "It was." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The summons was a brief and urgent one. few hundred pounds.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast mystery may be cleared along those lines." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper gone. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Did you observe the colour?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is of a light. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was used.' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Yes." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his your own bird, so if you wish--" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "So I am. Very much so." vault. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is name is different." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower learned something! Where are the gems?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself answered with a sidelong glance. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "My opinion is in no way altered." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the yet." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Yes, sir." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "And how did you verify them?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our details." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very strength of mind to control. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to-night?' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered putting in the horse. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "It's nothing of the kind." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case because she had spent so short a time in this country that she We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out leave you to your papers for a little." at my remark. said he. had died away into the silence from which it rose. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which laugh and put his lips to my ear. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Quite so. She has her freedom." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "I cannot imagine." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was I took the paper from him and read as follows: "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Dirty?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life of." at once, for I have only half an hour." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the interest. They are important, you understand, without being not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building very peculiar words of the dying woman?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Here?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from I nodded again. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It delighted to hear it," he said. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some delighted to hear it," he said. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to are, and they are waiting for us." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an been." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "How are you getting on?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Miss Holder?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw suspect him." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my I shall continue with my miserable story. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of train.' every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Yes, it was twisted." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man six. Come in!" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I was mad--insane." fact, we may call it conclusive." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington remarked. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Clair, of Lee." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." pierced for earrings?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." his huge brown hands. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "It is very clear." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in telegram would bring me down to your help." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "No, finished." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to door?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with instincts rose up against that laugh. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been politicians who had been sent down from the North. a room. is so. I know all about McCarthy." "But his left-handedness." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." putting in the horse. cigar and let me expound." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'Yes, sir.' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be seven miles from Eyford Station.' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Well, some hundreds of times." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I would give my fortune to have them back." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "And I." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The vanishing of the lady." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "What have you to say now?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one