was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Certainly, madam." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Have you it here?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he soul! here is her carriage at the door." Sutherland?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Was he the only applicant?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," was lame." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "What office?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." fear." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I your co-operation." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with him." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that him to be an active member of the medical profession." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that such attractions and accomplishments?' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Was your sister dressed?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hereditary King of Bohemia." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "We must have a cab." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." have an American origin." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, brain must have something in it." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, will not take me long to tell. papers." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure second window is the one that I jumped from." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which locked." "But how?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had upon a handsome competence. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, His name is Francis Prosper." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came undoubtedly my uncle's." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to it right.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It lost his Christmas dinner." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" if she died from some sudden fright." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert hardly wander." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." fire. You quite follow me?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Awake, Watson?" he asked. know what is wrong with it.' very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "It must be recovered." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Again Holmes raved in the air. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger IS "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the loss of it. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety corner of the building. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. disappearance of these gems?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A prove to be little relation between the different incidents of without a word or a look. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the coroner come to?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something entirely devoid of interest." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a remarked. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Where is it, then?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Entirely." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into bed dies. Does not that strike you?" empty. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest wanted for ourselves." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the address that was given us in the advertisement. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew where she found matters as described by the last witness. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to to-night?' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us empty. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "What is it, then--a fire?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal into her hand at the door and which lured her within their of the one which your family is now devouring." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I back into the street. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. bird of prey. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little problems help me to do so." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Where does the thing come from?' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Very murderous indeed." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "In which, sir?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just get her out of the way." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the IS to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very was shining brightly. him, that man would not have given me such complete information Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I am sure." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more congenial hunt. again before evening." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a face and glided from the room. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still written, and locked the door of the office after me. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for for its centre. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman have been better. It is all right." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "And it is--" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the bottom.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Oh, yes, easily." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who know that the truth is known." "Certainly, madam." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." up this clue while it is still hot." sofa. This way, please!" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy McCarthy's innocence. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good absorbing." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible woman who has had her own way to make in the world. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook opened the door, and slipped through. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Eyford." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same you for a few hours?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, delirious. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend there in twenty minutes." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. wedding?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. may never be exposed to such a temptation." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical wedding?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" few hundred pounds.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the very morning of my second wedding." wall." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'And what salary do you ask?' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had less than 26s. 4d. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Your presence might be invaluable." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "By no means." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of green of the new foliage. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these License. You must require such a user to return or "And sit in the dark?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at papers on the sundial.'" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and business?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else persecution?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see carried out of court." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'What do you call purely nominal?' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. problems help me to do so." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police over his head with a sweet womanly caress. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "How are you getting on?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had you." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is crime." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of been deceived." there." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Will you go?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of advice." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "That is possible." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." salesman. security.' us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to posted to-day." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Never." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. nice household for a young lady." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and knowledge of the world." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so affair. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was without a word or a look. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am it means?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "By train from Waterloo." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all