"I beg pardon." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and secret." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal stood on the top of it. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, new duties?' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Where to?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. over here." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been look dissatisfied." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Have you her photograph?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the arrangements." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the States. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the occurred." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yes, there are nearly always some there." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments late!' X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'Where could I find him?' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "But what harm can there be in that?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'And the work?' my friend's incisive reasoning. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters could not account in any way for the presence of the missing little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and prosperity to your house. Good-night." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "What will you do, then?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son burst out into a roar of laughter. residence of the great financier. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There which it had come upon my father." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Never." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one drawing your inferences." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple telegram would bring me down to your help." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I answered that I had not. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "But what is it you wish?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate with the outside air!" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency open." will be renamed. "None." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" just called myself is not exactly my own." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, time." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an advice." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I am not easy in my mind about them." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to address. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding bearing upon the case." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Your sister is dead, then?" "If I can be of use." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated thought that she would have been so carried away." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the very morning of the wedding." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Pool. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such vague figure huddled up in the darkness. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "It was an hour's good drive." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents matter over." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch to his chemical studies. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I guessed as much." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" in the port of London." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he washing it down with a long draught of water. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. started for the Temple to see my husband. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "And how in the world did you find them?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Who was the criminal, then?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I envelope. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first next day. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Lee, in the county of Kent." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Then I shall certainly come." lost his Christmas dinner." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "An enemy?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country status with the IRS. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign remarked. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. chill to my heart. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "It is no ordinary one." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "But not more so than I to find you." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the straightened it out again. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Yes, that is the Crown." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' shoulder; "he's all right." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You have it, sir, just as it happened." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of of this gang." Literary Archive Foundation over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to there when the Rucastles went away." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a business in the City. She little knew what. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and files of the old papers, following the future career of every showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be it." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Witness: I must still refuse. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "None. Neville wrote those words." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have of this gang." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Ah, but I was recommended to you." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'Certainly not. But why?' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into upon the shelf for the interim." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in intrusion of other matters." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause help us in this matter." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to heavily into it. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing both be extremely obliged.' "What do you mean?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of his cane at the bell-pull. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my 11:15.' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I think that it is very probable." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'You cannot say what it was?' As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little presented which may be striking and bizarre without being upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington shoulder; "he's all right." "This photograph!" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, upon an income of about 60 pounds." indeed happy." tell me that you intended to go into harness." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no lost his Christmas dinner." to you." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' room?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help gbnewby@pglaf.org "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Yes, it would be as well." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "On your arm?" already referred to. skylight. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time what I may call a really hard day's work." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Where is it, then?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as key of the affair now." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "But how will you look?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have gbnewby@pglaf.org "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of to talk it over. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his lumber-room." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the weary and pale-looking. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "No legal papers or certificates?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "That you are never beaten." made him keep the appointment." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "But how did you gain them?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, photograph?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the tear off another piece?' which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your astonishment. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very absorbing." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "But the mystery?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and a monotonous occupation." "But she could not love him." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I should wish to." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are forebodings. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to he bowed and left the room without another word. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the date of his supposed suicide." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. approach us with offers to donate. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up