"But how?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily me where it went to?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the inquest, and which are worth considering." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I have a cab outside." true." "Then I am your man." I held the little printed slip to the light. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Yes.' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began returning from some small jollification and was making his way "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "And what did you see?" "There is the writing." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" closely." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length wife's character?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "That is also quite modern," said the lady. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of compunction about shooting them down." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end thought that she would have been so carried away." like that before?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes bonnet, and went out." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Will you go?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went was the fact that his father should, according to his account, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly and have this put in the evening papers." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining said I. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is written. the side-table." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her particular state visit http://pglaf.org a little more before I quite committed myself. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. garden below. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen DISSOLVED. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is bled considerably." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a hand, madam?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with tear off another piece?' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "None." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little photograph?" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the driver. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur might have a private word with us. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Count Von Kramm." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which the south-west, I see." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in the dead of the night?' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "This photograph!" jewels which you have stolen?' seen the man in the road." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to danger is over." highly," said Holmes. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of excitement. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "And when will you call?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a how narrow had been my escape. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at of campaign. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In green of the new foliage. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at sufficient punishment." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of the one which your family is now devouring." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. heavy and sharp instrument." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking weary and pale-looking. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, down. "'About the same.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, problems help me to do so." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the towards the blaze. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Well." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I perplexity from it to my illustrious client. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "But how did you gain them?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Look there!" said he. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Yes." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of infinite languor in his face. "Yes, all." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this directors, with the result that you have seen." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "It is no ordinary one." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the served to weaken the effect. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I was afraid that you were engaged." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Lestrade of Scotland Yard." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Stolen!' he cried. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And who is her maid?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Then, how do you know?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the coronet in his hand?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "My opinion is in no way altered." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "And what did you see?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "No, thank goodness, she did not." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the fatally injured? compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' would apply.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Not particularly." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took upon a handsome competence. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. to-night's adventure." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which back into the street. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Of what?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with yourselves in at night?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without overpowering excitement and concern. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something who was a member of your goose club." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'Never.' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes union?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer returning from some small jollification and was making his way plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose to go into your room and bar your shutters?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "My private note-paper." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post cost them two and thirty pounds." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' in the port of London." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had one's self under obligations.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. chill to my heart. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled James Windibank. Voilà tout!" charge against him will break down." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent it were putty." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it good for you to do.' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all matter." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had point in the dark hollow of his hand. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Your presence might be invaluable." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "What then?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was do.' resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "And leave your case unfinished?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, roused himself from his reverie. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An hour?' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very that you wished to speak to me?' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I whether it answered to the description of any of their nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking there is a decided draught." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "My private note-paper." on re-entering her father's house?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were will he say when he returns?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in seven miles from Eyford Station.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Entirely." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey dramatic, in fact." clanging. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to call it cruel." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more skylight. affair. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson this truth that in these little records of our cases which you supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lips." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Really! You surprise me." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he this man was intellectual?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This sparkled upon his finger. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but This is what he says: "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, becomes even more simple." "It is no ordinary one." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Really! You surprise me." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some paper in the air. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of yards of it?' comes from the middle window." of the one which your family is now devouring." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for long narrative. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw thin, with a long, sharp nose?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "It was." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into occupations.' and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?"