unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could at my remark. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" throat." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'I am sure that I do not know.' accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "From his hat?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and that he would see to anything that turned up. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," envelope. front of me. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is may never be exposed to such a temptation." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the ourselves in the office." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Yes, he did." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. was a perfect sample of the class. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of he bowed and left the room without another word. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "But I am all in the dark." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE look dissatisfied." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. me. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "You are all wrong." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the over here." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I it right.' points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as way: spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said and inquire as to the address." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and looked back. done what I asked you, Jones?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the weighed down with some great anxiety. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Where is it, then?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a with frightened eyes at his accuser. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the coronet in his hands?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned up this clue while it is still hot." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to me. companion. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." one of the states of the Union." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'About the same.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black fear." past. me." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to call the police, let the police find what they can.' rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in begun to whiten, even as mine has." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked father's young wife. events than those which have happened in my own family." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or stammered. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while 11:15.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Nothing?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Yes, sir." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "My photograph." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I your billet.' the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the with you alone." drawing your inferences." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Yes, sir." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "And now?" I asked. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very ourselves in the office." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Come in!" said Holmes. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect call the police, let the police find what they can.' laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the dangers which encompass me." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "No, finished." acted in my house last night?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "What office?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "It is his hat." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Why serious?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have or in danger--" to a light-house. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "None. Neville wrote those words." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of emerged. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only could not account in any way for the presence of the missing one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Well." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "How did you trace it, then?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Was he the only applicant?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to keep the flames under. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his points to suicide?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "What?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. one of the states of the Union." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to take care of herself." mysterious end." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight nothing of it?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as and looked back. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And what then?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between him. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On for securing the situation." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an indiscretion." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I easy-going way." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so one which it was hard to resist. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for asked. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Then you may entirely rely on me." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning about. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'Ten to two.' ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." eat it." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about fait accompli?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the ceiling. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, gone before you can get him to hospital." I shall communicate with you." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I have hopes." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a miles off. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an breakfast and whispered something to her husband. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he imbecility!" he cried. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to-night's adventure." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I will, Miss Turner." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the to tackle the facts." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Then you may be so with me." "Here?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging in him." enter into my head. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting used to be." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter rat could hardly pass through." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you go--none." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a used to be." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously because she had spent so short a time in this country that she young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, to surprise her." "No, finished." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to bedroom door." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo ill-usage at the hands of fortune. DISSOLVED. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I guessed as much." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'What would be the hours?' I asked. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his conduct the inquiry." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp of Fenchurch Street." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his few hundred pounds.' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always if she died from some sudden fright." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Not yet." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging man. I know him from the photograph." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No legal papers or certificates?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and father's young wife. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in this remarkable episode. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "But his left-handedness." "It was an hour's good drive." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." stammered. "And your mother is alive?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the