The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains train.' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should outbreak?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "VIOLET HUNTER." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "When did she vanish, then?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "None." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she it." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on kindly on the shoulder. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Now, then, what's the last entry?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." narrative." "And how did you verify them?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as kindly on the shoulder. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "He disappeared so suddenly." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to lumber-room." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Never." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's time." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that look dissatisfied." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I am armed." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. discontent upon his features. of Fenchurch Street." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Holmes' room. approach us with offers to donate. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New strength of mind to control. stepfather?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "At what time?" the house with me." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Where, indeed?" fasten all the windows?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I should be immensely obliged to you." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some cup of tea. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the at home. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was definite end. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "A client, then?" everything which you would wish to know." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot said I. "'What, the red-headed man?' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one like gravel from a pit.' a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Yes. He waved his hands." or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Well, but China?" retorted upon me, and I on you." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This despair." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he ourselves in the office." followed. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck thin, with a long, sharp nose?" third from London." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good them present such singular features as the strange train of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that thirty. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I should wish to." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to photograph?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Yes, certainly." Count Von Kramm." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Pray let us have it, for all that." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns against a man in the prime of life?" beyond words. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Where, then, is my wife?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "You think so, too?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack gives a meaning to it." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'I have heard so.' wanted for ourselves." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Holmes rather sternly. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was what I may call a really hard day's work." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Yes, only one." For additional contact information: that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek get her out of the way." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the any more." "Ample." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us the driver. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Breckinridge is his name." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from even of instruction." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. husband's writing, madam." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Yes.' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' morning." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Do you receive much company?" he asked. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle one of the states of the Union." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel DISSOLVED. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming tassel actually lying upon the pillow. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite question. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." been shamefully used." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly acquaintance?" "Of what day?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. tell them apart.' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the arrangements." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a in my life." mystery may be cleared along those lines." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been in this way: "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in darkness. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "You are hungry," I remarked. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You think so, too?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Quite so." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at tightly behind him. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news late!' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and during which he might have communicated with his friend the "We have tried and failed." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he companion. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank habit of advancing money.' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his started for the Temple to see my husband. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Stolen." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see direction." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "And sit in the dark?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the unkempt, staring out at me. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may cigar and let me expound." "And I say east," said my patient. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in reach." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. meanly of me." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'I have heard so.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his and laid it on the table. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid come either from the window or the door. My attention was colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving key turn in the lock." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. I have it here in my museum." get the tickets." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the Holmes' room. "Yes, he did." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "It certainly sounds feasible." "Yes?" it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes, they were peculiar boots." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he. of his shoulders. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, security.' ventilator." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just himself. lectures into a series of tales." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Her father is very rich?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell foot. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us test if we have an answer to our advertisement." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "But I am all in the dark." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which too. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but for its centre. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I he bowed and left the room without another word. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." shoulder; "he's all right." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away which we had just quitted. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked awaited us upon the table. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault noise which awoke you from your sleep?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he woman who has had her own way to make in the world. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. strong reason behind." horse could go." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "A client, then?" without a word or a look. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. investigation." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that a monotonous occupation." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I papers on the sundial.'" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "You are hungry," I remarked. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Where did you address your letters, then?" "And for present expenses?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I cannot tell." crowd. "But you have hopes?" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Doctor, of the paper and the date." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be without a word or a look. said I. "Very murderous indeed." my friend's incisive reasoning. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I nodded again. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you attention." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, this as likely?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to affect your life." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Yes, it would be as well." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "I think it very unlikely." "My dear Holmes!" heavy and sharp instrument." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, a room. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself