as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I beg pardon." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in seem to you to be relevant or not." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently ashen face. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "But it has twice been burgled." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to appeal." "But we can't all be." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. indeed which he could not unravel. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Is he quiet?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "What, then, did Peterson do?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United ourselves in the office." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. was it brought him the coronet? piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally whole matter to your consideration." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Not in a good cause." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I your sleep?' he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "And what then?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "This photograph!" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for London for the present?" Holmes rather sternly. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded see me here to avoid scandal." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting cause to be." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the inner apartment." sparkled upon his finger. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. unprecedented a position." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Breckinridge is his name." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but little trying to do so much typewriting?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial it." arrangements." it with his own hands." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Doctor, of the paper and the date." overpowering excitement and concern. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "He disappeared so suddenly." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "There is the writing." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and quickly through a disagreeable task. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "No more words. Get out!" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. thin legs towards the fire. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had have I gained?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "None. Neville wrote those words." a monotonous occupation." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "No." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One sparkled upon his finger. unclasping of his long thin hands. keep the flames under. as noiselessly as she had come. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally do.' how narrow had been my escape. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the coronet in his hands?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said case-book, which he consulted. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is future lives." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been villagers almost as much as their master. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Frequently." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Who was the criminal, then?" chemical work which was so dear to him. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of remarked. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the King without delay." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. observed. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Very well, sir. And this stone?" bore every mark of being an average commonplace British cigar and let me expound." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something to-night's adventure." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I will try. What is it?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then started for the Temple to see my husband. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I should be immensely obliged to you." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the only touch the interest." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "It was an hour's good drive." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, his knees, staring into the fire. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "And from a noble client?" "'Quite sure, dad.' front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the which are rolled in Rotterdam." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one his knees, staring into the fire. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in appointment with me for six o'clock?" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Pray do so." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than served to weaken the effect. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "And from a noble client?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the fat-encircled eyes. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" I approached. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "The Cedars?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a that you wished to speak to me?' believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting that before taking the final step I should like to submit the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not troubles have been weighing upon his mind. companion. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and particular state visit http://pglaf.org expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat attention." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, your bag." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You were travelling in the States?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and six. Come in!" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated cigars in the box." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, II. as noiselessly as she had come. acquaintance?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the figure." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more fluttered off among the others. than was visible to me." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Where did you address your letters, then?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "So I am. Very much so." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny DAMAGE. "I will not look." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. as yours." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Only as much as we can deduce." "Never to return." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to shall not find me ungrateful." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he I approached. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Nothing?" "No." examine." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'Where could I find him?' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Eyford." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "They are typewritten," I remarked. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential his forehead." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my special province." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It is possible." "How did he come?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the Red-headed League." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother returned to France?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' hand, madam?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "You horrify me!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "And the cigar-holder?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Munro.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid joking. "'I have heard so.' the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "What! a murderous attack?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had where she found matters as described by the last witness. "And the murderer?" garden below. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind down from London to inquire more deeply into it." or in danger--" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard see me here to avoid scandal." there." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." purpose of examination. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Pray do so." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more asked. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the tragedy. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "No." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Which are?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end for and were ordered to this address. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "No, I had a dozen." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Sutherland. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is results." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I cannot tell." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Holmes' face clouded over. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. was used.' or in danger--" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went have one." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I cannot imagine." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined shall not find me ungrateful." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution electronic works "ARAT," I read. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in works. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned face and glided from the room. States. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's until night should bring an explanation. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at that I am arrested." "It is no ordinary one." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Street. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Pray do so." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I leave."