He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even McCarthy's innocence. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." easy-going way." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the The summons was a brief and urgent one. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Frequently." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "There is the writing." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Where does the thing come from?' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "A confidential servant?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. following enigmatical notices: facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'I have already given you my word.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Not in the least." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your said I. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I photograph a cabinet?" constraint." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his you." Sutherland?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and upon the sideboard." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for row." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the coronet in his hand?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve several quiet little villages up there." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about awkward doing business with an alias." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and asked. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "They are typewritten," I remarked. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could this remarkable episode. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into them present such singular features as the strange train of been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "What is it?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "It is possible." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Won't it ring?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Was he the only applicant?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very least a fellow-countryman. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent retorted upon me, and I on you." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "No?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely bonnet, and went out." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Where did he live, then?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to round with crates and massive boxes. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If was a perfect sample of the class. said I. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I beg pardon." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Your presence might be invaluable." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "And what then?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, back alive. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the cigars in their mouths. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "It surprised me." prisoner's face. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Just look it up, then." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or for securing the situation." for securing the situation." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "But we can't all be." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" purpose equally well?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it long narrative. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two whether it answered to the description of any of their "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself very morning of my second wedding." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, it with his own hands." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Yes." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in affection." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You seen the man in the road." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. said he. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he horse could go." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the date of his supposed suicide." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Was he the only applicant?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are bird I ate is country bred." "Eh? What was that?" I. there has been an enclosure here!" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "How are you getting on?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and said he. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, strength." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray might help us?" in a friendly supper." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "You heard nothing yourself last night?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "That is also quite modern," said the lady. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. indiscretion." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I am sure." "Is he quiet?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come there." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Your French gold?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he through." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "A call for help, you thought?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that you." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "What then?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Breckinridge is his name." already referred to. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" when your master had gone out." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of and the church but not where the lady lived." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Cross for the Continent." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "You are hungry," I remarked. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. questioning and rather startled gaze. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Nearly eleven." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic photograph?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" delighted to hear it," he said. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It said I. colonel looking down at me. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I would pay ten." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and that he would see to anything that turned up. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "We have tried and failed." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it hour?' way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been like that before?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "No?" washing it down with a long draught of water. "Who by?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. hands. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Where did you address your letters, then?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'And what salary do you ask?' Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife past. until night should bring an explanation. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to down from London to inquire more deeply into it." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Was she in good spirits?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "My dear Holmes!" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Oh, yes, easily." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 depend upon your compliance." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I say it is." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which which I could not give. He asked for Alice. his grey eyes. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in joking. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted it with his own hands." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed will not take me long to tell. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action whatever might befall. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was any little problem which you may submit to me." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Then the page we have seen--" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "But how did you gain them?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It is possible." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of some terrible trap for her." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge