to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle companion imperturbably. that he will be back before evening." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was already answered. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'I shall certainly be there.' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "No, but the enclosure is." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here clang of the bell. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the of the one which your family is now devouring." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Then I can wait in the next room." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. there." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "One?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I will not look." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am I leave." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, highly," said Holmes. Pope's Court. article?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." kind enough to tell me what I should do." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing following enigmatical notices: companion imperturbably. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "It came here." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his forehead." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Really! You surprise me." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Heh?' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left companion. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a I shall communicate with you." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "None." "You know me, then?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I figure." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for something of him before." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "That is easily got." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that matter over." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a business matters.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot he died? very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret good for you to do.' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall crime. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Yes, only one." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Street. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the and effective." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much she to prove their authenticity?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. already referred to. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. suddenly upon us." noble correspondent could be. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "How did you deduce the select?" be. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair tightly behind him. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per see a sister of mine apply for." yet." fishes. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "'Very good.' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his could not account in any way for the presence of the missing subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "'I am sure if I had known--' "And Miss Sutherland?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "How did he come?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I am all attention, madam." "And help." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond him. "It was an hour's good drive." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the wall." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I don't believe it." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I am about to be married." "We were both in the photograph." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "A confidential servant?" have been better. It is all right." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and no precautions can guard against." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, present." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom village inn over there?" Street. in one or two places in England?' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Project Gutenberg-tm works. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" system of imprisonment?" fluttered off among the others. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "'What would be the hours?' I asked. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "That also I could fathom." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just fait accompli?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when should be so warm over such a trifle." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best which it had come upon my father." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "The rest you will leave in our hands." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Yes." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the head. So long, then!" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "No bad?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Yes." that there was nothing in it, after all." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high will not take me long to tell. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "You have but to name it." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away about here speaks of his kindness to him." other, as fresh and trim as possible. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting over with notes and figures. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "My dear Holmes!" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "And Irene Adler?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the one as in the other." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Was she in good spirits?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to congratulate you again." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "If I can be of use." face and glided from the room. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation digesting their breakfasts at home." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your silent! Oh, he will be silent!' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I a few minutes he said that it would be all right. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I have it here in my museum." "'Which dealer's?' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in answered with a sidelong glance. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. quite distinctive." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I shall be delighted." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a What do you deduce from it?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Serpentine Avenue. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'There is a drive, then?' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend ago." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the room while you explain this matter?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove over with notes and figures. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "No, distinctly professional." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Yes." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite just called myself is not exactly my own." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." it means?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." very morning of my second wedding." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these burst out into a roar of laughter. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been best detective that ever lived. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it jewels which you have stolen?' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who his wife has ceased to love him." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the voice, changing her seat as requested. yet." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" knowledge of the world." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a electronic works chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly things are very often connected not with the larger but with the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. province." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "He said too much." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan o'clock is it?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little occurred." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward into the room. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and one of the states of the Union." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Dr. Becher's." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to as he remarks, very much against the son." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the other, as fresh and trim as possible. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely get her out of the way." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize