did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had seen the man in the road." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during do." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found seen the man in the road." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Nothing." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in the hope of finding them." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. before, for it was considerably after midnight. as the one I chose?' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Sutherland?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check carpenter." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "My dear Holmes!" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the if only as a check to my own memory." "And it is--" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard taking in every detail of the apartment. colour had been driven from his face. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No good news?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I like that before?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "But his lameness?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a said I. you give your casting vote to?" roused himself from his reverie. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You tied." stepfather?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." populous neighbourhood." do.' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." interest. They are important, you understand, without being ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked any little problem which you may submit to me." be there in time for your coming." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Nor running a chance of arrest?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "But your client--" "But what is it you wish?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to-night?' your room." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. business?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest these bleak autumnal evenings." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the directly by questioning you." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Where to?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, always that they were such commands as a lady might with "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the the coroner come to?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady which was all perfectly true. this unhappy family?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I shall most certainly do so." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Thank you. And your address?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. obstinate." "She told me to ask you." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Then I shall certainly come." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Oh, the cause is excellent!" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your photograph?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and guilty parties." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." him nearly every evening." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, dramatic, in fact." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable depend upon my doing so.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it crime." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun purpose equally well?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband wife's character?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "My last client of the sort was a king." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." guilty parties." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "No good news?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Yes.' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and I shall be with you presently." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily attention." "I will get her to show me." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of at home. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the room while you explain this matter?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "And I." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows what is your own theory as to what took place?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Is he quiet?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "You did not overhear what they said?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "There is the writing." "No, my brougham is waiting." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the best of training." "That sounds a little paradoxical." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she What do you deduce from it?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note shadow pass over his face as I spoke. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Stolen, then." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It was." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "So I heard. You have him here?" "'And the work?' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have so.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The floor. "But the mystery?" carried out of court." "Just look it up, then." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am key of the affair now." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project McCarthy's innocence. but preventing her from injuring another. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "What then?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'I am sure that I do not know.' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one October 9, 1890. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in that you wished to speak to me?' America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Will you bet, then?" "Never." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is ventilator." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I said Mr. Holder. than to us. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." to some other building. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing his eyes and forehead. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "It was an hour's good drive." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Perhaps I have." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically down. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between again on its way. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "What, then?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able occupations.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Oh, no.' Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I and it need not interfere very much with one's other or other trace. But how on earth--" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "What!" he roared. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "What of the rat, then?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She tension within him. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when John Swain, of St. Augustine. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to companion quietly. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to as the one I chose?' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire ago." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not fear." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Well, but China?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' asked. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. towards the blaze. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his system of imprisonment?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. questioning and rather startled gaze. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "On Monday." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of six. Come in!" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "My photograph." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, his fortune, and I went back to pa. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by all-comprehensive glances. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If tied." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "And who is her maid?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "So it appears." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the did not hear it also.'