retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Nothing?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are if I call to-morrow?" "One?" woven round him. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' kind enough to tell me what I should do." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Yes, the wine-cellar." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "And leave your case unfinished?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "And why in hopes?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "But you would not advise me to refuse?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "In which, sir?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." bedroom door." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may both be extremely obliged.' yet." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had assist you in forming an opinion." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was signal between you and your father? "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "This concluded the examination of the witness." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the matter?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while said he. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, here." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for beyond words. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the tail." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Countess of Morcar's?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I golden eyeglasses. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is remarked. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself to arrive at through this?" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "What?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, unclasping of his long thin hands. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of despair." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were that the gas is not laid on in his house?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "And for present expenses?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the in a very precise fashion." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was heavily into it. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in opened a pocket-book and took out a note. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "But I am all in the dark." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, mysterious end." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "But what harm can there be in that?" "Yes. He waved his hands." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Where does the thing come from?' disappearance of the bride.'" directly by questioning you." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. washing it down with a long draught of water. "Your presence might be invaluable." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "I am in hopes that she does." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked disappearance of these gems?" nonsense.' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every of fine shops and stately business premises that they really possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I cannot think." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such than to us. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his touch that coronet?' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm there were so many in the whole country as were brought together success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to matters immensely." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the stable lane now." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it fire. You quite follow me?" "'I have already given you my word.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a had formerly been in part my own. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Again Holmes raved in the air. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the inquest, and which are worth considering." "And you don't know his address?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose results." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project and a shock of very red hair. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if know that the truth is known." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "That you are never beaten." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Then, as to money?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "And who is her maid?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and thought that she would have been so carried away." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Farm upon the left." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Never to return." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I cannot think." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Ah!" that I am arrested." fat-encircled eyes. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Yes." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even DISSOLVED. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open developed." a suggestive one." himself to hunt down. "He said too much." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon wedding?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but examine." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster do you make of it all?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who fashion which was peculiar to him. carried out of court." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Farm upon the left." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a at once, for I have only half an hour." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" cigar and let me expound." when you have done it." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." ventilator." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of see a sister of mine apply for." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Then, as to money?" "And I to find an enemy." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fat-encircled eyes. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch like gravel from a pit.' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that strode off upon his way. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be might have a private word with us. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "How about poison?" salesman. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of my former friend and companion. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any key of the affair now." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his you do it in twenty minutes!' one else, I think." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate fishes. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against fasten all the windows?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "But you can know nothing of this?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Thank you. Pray proceed." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and no precautions can guard against." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight which should have the effect of calling the attention of the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in three fields round his house, and there he would take his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, that inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hair?' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Yes, the wine-cellar." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 answer." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every until night should bring an explanation. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, to tell." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? enough to aid us in our search." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "One of the highest in England." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At assist you in forming an opinion." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "What then?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are dear old homesteads?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis must be when I saw the door open.' is four-and-twenty." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking that I am arrested." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the joking. prepare for the new role I have to play." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful one of the states of the Union." and put his glass in his pocket. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred me where it went to?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can place no limit on the sum I may draw." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the depend upon my doing so.' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house head. So long, then!" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I know where it is." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read I was concerned in it." green of the new foliage. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "No, finished." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There whereabouts. do.' Leadenhall Street--and--" maid will bring up your coffee." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his compunction about shooting them down." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the be. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same