"I think it very unlikely." and I shall be with you presently." "I see many objections to any such theory." four million human beings all jostling each other within the lamp in his hand. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "It was an hour's good drive." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a cause to be." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little miles off. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "What then?" noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." article?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the served to weaken the effect. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Nothing." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I know where it is." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out least a most suspicious remark." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You think so, too?" "And help." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "How did you trace it, then?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little address. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To useful material for showing traces. The double line a little your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I cannot imagine." photograph a cabinet?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and confronted him. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." chill to my heart. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Not in the least." "But you have hopes?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'In my own bureau.' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into other, as fresh and trim as possible. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Oh, fresh and glossy." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally round and wave him away like that.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR voice. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door daring than any effort of the imagination." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Heh?' I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Then what has happened to him?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is fire. You quite follow me?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "What office?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the Assizes." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of matter." that I may have something better before very many minutes are you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "What will you say?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Never.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Nothing?" "My stepfather's business papers." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having answered with a sidelong glance. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Yes, only one." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps formed some opinion?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was swore that no one else had been in the front room during the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. could gather together that I was able to avert another public Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I cannot think." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who compunction about shooting them down." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe hopeless attempt at recovering them." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I instituted." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. I have it here in my museum." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. through." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love should be taken.' "But you were on a friendly footing?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock answered with a sidelong glance. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Dr. Gregory B. Newby Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent something of him before." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw not come at once?" "Yes, he did." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. better grown goose." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but his face. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." not, dad?" she asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "What! a murderous attack?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some McCarthy." "Where, then?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which cup of tea. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it business came to an end." is a common subject for conversation. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the note?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, my special province." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and the church but not where the lady lived." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that sofa. This way, please!" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "VIOLET HUNTER." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Count Von Kramm." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what yet." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "You are certainly joking, Holmes." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Cross for the Continent." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Never to return." that he will be back before evening." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the cigars in the box." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the views." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It is a murder, then?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore business in the City. She little knew what. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the coronet at all injured?" License. You must require such a user to return or "Where is it, then?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under bell. Holmes whistled. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Ample." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Not yet." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab never to learn it at all." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt assist you in forming an opinion." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on front of me. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. waste of energy." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES compunction about shooting them down." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Certainly." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Where, indeed?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand than to us. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "My opinion is in no way altered." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to his chemical studies. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he more solid." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His sparkled upon his finger. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "9th. McCauley cleared. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows delighted to hear it," he said. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Always." "He slept on the premises." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" to talk it over. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was this as likely?" for and were ordered to this address. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Did you become engaged then?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Then the page we have seen--" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Ample." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "'Yes, sir.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely what is your own theory as to what took place?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. to a light-house. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'Yes, sir.' It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and weighed down with some great anxiety. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. is now desirous of getting those letters back." populous neighbourhood." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' more solid." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite you." said I. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' yards of it?' "'It is locked up,' I answered. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "But your client--" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You have carte blanche." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, might have a private word with us. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. long narrative. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No more words. Get out!" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, daring than any effort of the imagination." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their works. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "No?"