"I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over companion. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical trifles." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly later, upon the night of May 2nd." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to compunction about shooting them down." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At third from London." I have it here in my museum." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "It is possible." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a voice. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage mystery may be cleared along those lines." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "The landlord of the Alpha." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land bedroom door." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to such attractions and accomplishments?' You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of go--none." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view or in danger--" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to in this note: heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Not in the least." "Never to return." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Yes, they were peculiar boots." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads I am not easy in my mind about them." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can spark where all is dark to me." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "You horrify me." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady ran thus: took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let brandy and water within his reach. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "The King of Scandinavia." upon an income of about 60 pounds." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the Assizes." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed started for the Temple to see my husband. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "A greater distance to travel." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the coat-tails." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Won't it ring?" to miss it." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover chambers. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "One of the highest in England." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society for and were ordered to this address. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "No." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the one as in the other." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Cross for the Continent." both be extremely obliged.' "In which, sir?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Pray do so." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me have not had my rubber." "Murdered?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "But it has twice been burgled." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very more terrible than the truth. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the devil!" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "What have you to say now?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" clang of the bell. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, get the tickets." case before our client came into the room." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "The murder was done with it." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a or in danger--" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg particular state visit http://pglaf.org but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We was not a bird to be seen there. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough lamp. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did in one or two places in England?' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. happened." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed II. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Tired-looking or fresh?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Then you may entirely rely on me." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and what do you think they found in the pockets?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It fish-monger and a tide-waiter." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a learned something! Where are the gems?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "No good news?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to in one or two places in England?' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "The gentleman I describe." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian stood on the top of it. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her at my remark. "Indeed! Whose, then?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "How did he come?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so cheerful." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the wife's character?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I am to be neutral?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Yes." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's him nearly every evening." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I fear not." "Quite so." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper him, that man would not have given me such complete information wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and John Swain, of St. Augustine. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for eat it." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which call you and give you the chance." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly think that any burglar could have done. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" fact, we may call it conclusive." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Certainly not. But why?' that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and prepare for the new role I have to play." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her make me his representative both with the servants and with the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and I shall be with you presently." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time disappearance of the bride.'" "Where did he live, then?" lips." "Why did you pick him?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank most interesting one." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, might have a private word with us. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Come in!" said he. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as begun to whiten, even as mine has." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I am following you closely," I answered. more terrible than the truth. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Never." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the little opening for the ventilator is." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "By all means." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we His name is Francis Prosper." in this way: to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about him. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could again on its way. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of during that time.' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "A client, then?" both be extremely obliged.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home conversation I have gathered that they have been married about considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has if I call to-morrow?" "I shall be delighted." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. begun to whiten, even as mine has." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have straighten it?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until open." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." crackling voice. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Were they all fastened this morning?" your sleep?' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was woven round him. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, you." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Where does the thing come from?' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Again Holmes raved in the air. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less followed. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Why? What do you mean?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Nothing." society." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. room. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" certainly not very gracious." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is manager. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Yes, sir.'