"Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would never to learn it at all." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able writing, and yet I know it well." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see strong and stiff." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a be sorry for having acted so harshly." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My words came to my lips. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! past. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Never.' papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Where, then, is my wife?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Did he not advertise?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "How did you trace it, then?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have been better. It is all right." "Yes." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a leaning back in his chair. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "I am all attention, madam." answered with a sidelong glance. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern orange pips. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for brandy and water within his reach. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; silent! Oh, he will be silent!' all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was late!' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our hour." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Surrey." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be status with the IRS. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted had no one to advise her at such a crisis." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And how in the world did you find them?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy of his shoulders. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, this man was intellectual?" residence of the great financier. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep your Highness to the police-station?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom a little more before I quite committed myself. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of you in your example." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years this man was intellectual?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I answered that I had not. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "He might." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no detective. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the devil!" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Pray do so." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Yes, only one." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the inner apartment." "At what time?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced light and attacked it." what is your own theory as to what took place?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such once more to my work. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Two days later this same performance was gone through under their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves geese which you supplied to the Alpha." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and no precautions can guard against." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given galvanised. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his ran thus: outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously coroner's jury." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Where could I find him?' me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from seven miles from Eyford Station.' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was voice. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the ceiling. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he it." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. manager. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. roused himself from his reverie. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and have this put in the evening papers." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, fait accompli?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interests were the same as his." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. plantation.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Then I can wait in the next room." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and I think that I could be of assistance to you." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be little adventures." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Chief Executive and Director and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. tapping his fingers upon the table. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel ventilator." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "What have you to say now?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. there is a decided draught." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I am to be neutral?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of them has the shutters up.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly have established a very serious case against the son of the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily even of instruction." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. companion quietly. "My stepfather's business papers." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and nice household for a young lady." "Precisely." 'please.'" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And the murderer?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Perhaps we may make them less so." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt at a side door. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Did you observe the colour?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very cost them two and thirty pounds." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Thank you. Pray proceed." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will been with you?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was mystery." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "No." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I say it is." My friend smiled. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Certainly." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "What will you do, then?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Eyford." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "And sit in the dark?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And help." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel followed. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, were new raised from a basin. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. wedding?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." as noiselessly as she had come. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Not I." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "It was an hour's good drive." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "She walked into the breakfast-room." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it you." outside. business in the City. She little knew what. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned sneer upon his pale face. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I have a cab outside." "It is solved." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or upon the shelf for the interim." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Street. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I cannot say that I have." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Yes, it was gone.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after have had none more fantastic than this." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they remarked. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New wedding?" Surrey." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say papers." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion help us in this matter." just called myself is not exactly my own." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing of your young ladies.' the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Entirely." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other which should have the effect of calling the attention of the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and you do it in twenty minutes!' Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must careless servant girl?" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached II. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "What! Had he lost his wife?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out followed. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without that you can jump it.' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "That is easily got."