photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I don't say that. Perhaps." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of once more. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in disappearance of the bride.'" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "It is a murder, then?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I am sure." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear made his money." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day My friend smiled. "Certainly." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "He is still with you, I presume?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Absolutely?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'What do you call purely nominal?' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The bearing upon the case." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." questioning and rather startled gaze. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Can I be of assistance?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. to-morrow." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "But what will you do?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other so far?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and your relations to her." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll entirely devoid of interest." shall use the carriage to-night." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Absolutely none." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with were new raised from a basin. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "But your client--" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might taking in every detail of the apartment. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the disappearance of the bride.'" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a his eyes and forehead. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel over here." "And how did you verify them?" it right.' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "The best possible." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut you do it in twenty minutes!' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back instituted." if only as a check to my own memory." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "So I am. Very much so." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" prepare for the new role I have to play." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for client, rising. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. sofa. This way, please!" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "What steps will you take?" I asked. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would criminal. We have already had experience of such." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to completely overtopped every other consideration that we both quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" easy-going way." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square it." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for to talk it over. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one What do you deduce from it?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'And what salary do you ask?' This is what he says: bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Yes, but only for you and me." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this union?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss the morning and make my own way in the world.' shaken than I had ever seen him. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you on re-entering her father's house?" in him." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." you, my dear young lady?' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent something of him before." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to in his hands." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen to tackle the facts." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to highly," said Holmes. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant into the room. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I think it very unlikely." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but leave you to your papers for a little." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "But we can't all be." the little opening for the ventilator is." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his straightened it out again. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." pierced for earrings?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." ago." "Deserted you?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "But I am all in the dark." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the matter?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his just called myself is not exactly my own." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the posted to-day." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "But how?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should go back?" pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "But you have hopes?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything to change my dress. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a might have a private word with us. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a then?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of the one which your family is now devouring." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to question. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining plantation.' by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Perhaps I have." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is cost them two and thirty pounds." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Surrey." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "That is also quite modern," said the lady. I am not easy in my mind about them." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "But she will refuse." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "The decline of his fortunes, then?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "But what is it you wish?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been quickly through a disagreeable task. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "To an English lawyer named Norton." if I call to-morrow?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a begun to whiten, even as mine has." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At six. Come in!" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards into her hand at the door and which lured her within their appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "How did that help you?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "And for present expenses?" fattened it expressly for you.' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "You have but to name it." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I cannot tell." "Game for a morning drive?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless are, I think, all that we need." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again was a loud and authoritative tap. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from breakfast?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "How did he come?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Never." where we are going." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here disturbance in my wife." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an to a more successful conclusion." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Pray let us have it, for all that." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "My dear Holmes!" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which occupations.' "Do you know him?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the warnings." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours fat-encircled eyes. "What! You do not mean bodies?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and