Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced and it need not interfere very much with one's other business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious and capable of preserving a secret.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" business in the City. She little knew what. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be direction." tell them apart.' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to interested in these little problems, and since you are good some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. way in." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your case before our client came into the room." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any which should have the effect of calling the attention of the plantation.' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I digesting their breakfasts at home." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the in this note: at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air I held the little printed slip to the light. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a tail." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the fatally injured? post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you me, and I could not think that his explanation of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be my special province." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "You horrify me!" do." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in his eyes and forehead. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other of this gang." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, man. I know him from the photograph." "But how will you look?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "No." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And I say east," said my patient. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You horrify me!" your only hope of safety." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and tell me that you intended to go into harness." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." presume?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. became a certainty. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "My dear Holmes!" is," said he presently: It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I already been minutely examined." Henry Baker is a member." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "But you have hopes?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a when your master had gone out." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain it." "And the cigar-holder?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had never came back." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "To the police?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right of your young ladies.' customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Ah!" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a fait accompli?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and strode off upon his way. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, stammered. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, there in twenty minutes." "Come in!" said he. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Was there a secret marriage?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of be best to do. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for said he. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Not particularly." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. him nearly every evening." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot congratulate you again." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'What would be the hours?' I asked. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had her also." "My opinion is in no way altered." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs mystery!" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was before the coroner and the police-court." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You know me, then?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known asked. breakfast?" "But how?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the was lame." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I see many objections to any such theory." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "And why in hopes?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed of the way of danger. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Lee, in the county of Kent." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Now, then, what's the last entry?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, morning." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Munro.' certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled a little more before I quite committed myself. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," three of the beryls in it, was missing. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. your sleep?' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he to have been novel and of interest." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all and no precautions can guard against." "'And the work?' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "But what will you do?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then formed some opinion?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "No, distinctly professional." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; ways including including checks, online payments and credit card determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'And the work?' to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man one which it was hard to resist. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the other, as fresh and trim as possible. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that was feeling which was the fattest.' "Well, some hundreds of times." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "How can you tell that?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the recover the gem." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of business matters.' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up once more. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when unclasping of his long thin hands. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," DAMAGE. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at John Swain, of St. Augustine. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, you." "Not yet." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. questionable one." carriage. It was a chestnut." sooner or later she must fall a victim. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "And that is--" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and late." there was no need for father to know." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your and laid it on the table. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch directors have had misgivings upon the subject." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Street. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his sake, don't!" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Breckinridge is his name." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. chemical work which was so dear to him. child?' but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, matter over." occupations.' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if should be taken.' not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "What office?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were gigantic client. "And how did he make his money?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "She told me to ask you." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence dear old homesteads?" "Of what?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two three fields round his house, and there he would take his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no have not had my rubber." "Your French gold?" coroner's jury." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "But to whom?" you." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the October 9, 1890. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes' room. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. not personally threatened." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the writer." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me showing my impatience. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "And sit in the dark?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "BALLARAT." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close during that time.' "I never have." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the Assizes." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the Red-headed League." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I do." get the tickets." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "It came here." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have problems help me to do so." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the