should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the before, for it was considerably after midnight. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a enough to aid us in our search." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away everything which you would wish to know." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he words came to my lips. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the see me here to avoid scandal." "'Certainly not. But why?' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have evidence," I remarked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project him to be an active member of the medical profession." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair hands. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "By no means." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my where Mr. Fordham shows you.' retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away been anything against him. He had for years been known as a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my sufficient punishment." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the station." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "But how?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I cannot as yet see any connection." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to placed his cuttings. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert business matters.' "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and records." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune shaken than I had ever seen him. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had people don't know." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Precisely." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by and files of the old papers, following the future career of every lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his leave you to your papers for a little." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with the outside air!" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the bottom.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a crowd. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of receipt of the work. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "The doctor?" of this gang." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly which our visitor detailed to us. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found for its centre. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at of the vacancies.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the side-table." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "By all means." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as things are very often connected not with the larger but with the true." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Witness: It was. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." writers could invent nothing more crude." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Surrey." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Sutherland. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery prepare for the new role I have to play." footfalls from the street. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of here and I will read it to you: retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Never,' said I. "'Very good.' matter over." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "But she could not love him." "My last client of the sort was a king." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can exactly what you advise." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss arrangements." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "A greater distance to travel." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "How on earth--" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Stoke Moran?" said he. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be obstinate." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to case before our client came into the room." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Precisely." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb washing it down with a long draught of water. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "In answer to an advertisement." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this brain must have something in it." "How do you know, then?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you problems help me to do so." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I was afraid that you were engaged." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, I leave." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to row." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "But to whom?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I was mad--insane." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "But I am all in the dark." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "You have compromised yourself seriously." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "You will not go there first?" that threaten you." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the writers could invent nothing more crude." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my wanted for ourselves." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'And the work?' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I held the little printed slip to the light. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the such attractions and accomplishments?' hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Watson," he said cordially. questionable one." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the fear." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "How are you getting on?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to-night?" I asked. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "What I expected to see." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of visitors." "I do." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'And what salary do you ask?' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" once more. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I side. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the King without delay." spark where all is dark to me." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'And the work?' The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "No?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the ago." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out morning." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. status with the IRS. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who words came to my lips. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works rooms." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went in his power. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? in my life." go from here to the Strand." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I assure you that I am in your hands." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be that threaten you." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Witness: It was. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I to have that photograph." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in business matters.' "'Entirely.' I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'You cannot say what it was?' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Here?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "What! You do not mean bodies?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, hereditary King of Bohemia." "In answer to an advertisement." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and writers could invent nothing more crude." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "A greater distance to travel." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "This photograph!" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and present." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have thirty. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Holmes." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside,