outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "The Coroner: What do you mean? cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" whole matter to your consideration." mystery." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." opened the door, and slipped through. "And how did he make his money?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a if I call to-morrow?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly back to my heart. "It surprised me." nonsense.' "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite better in every way that they should make their position a little submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in my former friend and companion. It may be so in this case, also." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. compunction about shooting them down." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have very old mansion. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his disappearance of these gems?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside nonsense.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all there were so many in the whole country as were brought together began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. some water from a caraffe. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her arrested. You then--" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is The note was undated, and without either signature or address. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "What shall I do?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when was shining brightly. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. you came in." "And now?" I asked. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "This photograph!" only touch the interest." his face which made him a very different person to the round, chemical work which was so dear to him. "This concluded the examination of the witness." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "And why in hopes?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "But the mystery?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "You forget that I know nothing about it." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "The landlord of the Alpha." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Bought." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, my little problems." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, business?" the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "But the mystery?" that he will be back before evening." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "What! Had he lost his wife?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the is now desirous of getting those letters back." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the to a more successful conclusion." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in when you have done it." enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Were they all fastened this morning?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous paper in the air. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. crime. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Where did you address your letters, then?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been visitors." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "You heard nothing yourself last night?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it again before evening." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. papers." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His strength of mind to control. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I have got?" of his shoulders. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that wedding?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he his grey eyes. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." him to go away.' and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "But of what society?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "How about poison?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must be.' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I points to suicide?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and I shall be with you presently." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is might have a private word with us. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." said he. you for a few hours?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "His face fell immediately. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Is he quiet?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Never,' said I. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, place no limit on the sum I may draw." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened since then to throw any light upon what became of him." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many himself to tell his story. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "That is it on the dressing-table." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I will not look." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their you in yours." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in the dead of the night?' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I quick march!" "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the I. answer." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client people don't know." "Certainly, madam." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I such attractions and accomplishments?' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." purpose equally well?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose door?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade habit of advancing money.' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "The knees of his trousers." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "The best possible." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. back alive. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his article?" anything to do with the matter?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I beyond words. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." meant it for the best. down. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was at my own good fortune. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of the one which your family is now devouring." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can himself in a perplexing position. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "No legal papers or certificates?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester families. Now for the facts. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "'Then let me do so?' set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this fuss that is made over them." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the coronet in his hands?" nothing of it?" other means.' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I would pay ten." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which 1.E.9. "On your arm?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the devil!" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in breakfast?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." several quiet little villages up there." fear." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind points in connection with it which never have been, and probably endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Entirely." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. more solid." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire woman who has had her own way to make in the world. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and on re-entering her father's house?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the our word." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Perhaps I have." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our business in the City. She little knew what. I was concerned in it." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "It is no ordinary one." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I beg pardon." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight was a loud and authoritative tap. dear old homesteads?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "A client, then?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily gone. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of strength." occupations.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "There are none." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk his face which made him a very different person to the round, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Tired-looking or fresh?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the jewels which you have stolen?' that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an mystery." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to take care of herself." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a