"And what did you see?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been most interesting one." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the together. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the until night should bring an explanation. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: was used.' better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite wall." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Yes." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. look dissatisfied." daring than any effort of the imagination." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "And the murderer?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an brought there to personate someone, and the real person is came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned call the police, let the police find what they can.' was lame." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on of fine shops and stately business premises that they really held up the lantern and gazed about him. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "But it has twice been burgled." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my secret was safe in his possession. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence pressing in one house as in another. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "And the cigar-holder?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Then he might have called to you?" was it brought him the coronet? 1.F. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I were new raised from a basin. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Were they all fastened this morning?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "And that is--" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Not at all. I only doubt--' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some For additional contact information: successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "No." like that before?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing certainly do as you advise." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "And sit in the dark?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the ceiling. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Yes, all." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Her father is very rich?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed page at http://pglaf.org gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to again, where I was soon asleep. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, one's self under obligations.' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Who was the criminal, then?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was intrusion of other matters." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, relief. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Texas, I think." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Precisely." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a have one." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her to affect your life." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible prison!" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "And I." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "You did not overhear what they said?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a me. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of putting in the horse. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' outbreak?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "You have compromised yourself seriously." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At discontent upon his features. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Holmes' room. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the ceiling. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor mystery." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic washing it down with a long draught of water. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "What! Had he lost his wife?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "But of what society?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Yes." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "He said too much." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to tell." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Certainly, madam." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a sufficient punishment." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "How many? I don't know." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to have not had my rubber." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into populous neighbourhood." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "But you have hopes?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'As governess?' "I am about to be married." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were the King without delay." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "The knees of his trousers." roused himself from his reverie. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the minor matters until to-morrow." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, It may be so in this case, also." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I father's young wife. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Quite so." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small leaning back in his chair. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and prepare for the new role I have to play." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window have accepted such a situation. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking me." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE nothing of it?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "About a month then." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the of them has the shutters up.' St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the it." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Then you may be so with me." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Imitated." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Yes. He waved his hands." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at your only hope of safety." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone woman who has had her own way to make in the world. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety carriage. It was a chestnut." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with notes," he said. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, attention." the address that was given us in the advertisement. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "What will you say?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "An accident, I presume?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Your sister is dead, then?" new duties?' "My dear Holmes!" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just were unconscious?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New name is different." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before about. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Which are?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "I think that it is very probable." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "VIOLET HUNTER." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than kind enough to tell me what I should do." a good hundred miles off by now." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the over part of the map. "What do you read?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great voice, changing her seat as requested. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into taking in every detail of the apartment. "And the murderer?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the paper in the air. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open always that they were such commands as a lady might with all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "That is unusual in a young girl." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to