uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then have got?" "But his lameness?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Yes." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "And help." your most interesting statement." "BALLARAT." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't strong and stiff." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition goes." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but investigation." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Serpentine Avenue. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black examination of the premises, but without finding anything which soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Literary Archive Foundation "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness your troubles." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "The vanishing of the lady." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "May I see it?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had she to prove their authenticity?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" room?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Whose house is it?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you back into the street. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no been deceived." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and capable of preserving a secret.' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "No, I had a dozen." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and take the flies, but not before." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Always." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the people in all walks of life. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the Red-headed League." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her skylight. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the must be when I saw the door open.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I am following you closely," I answered. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Foundation very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "If I can be of use." Project Gutenberg-tm works. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on would then never go into court at all." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty during that time.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "'Certainly,' I answered. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow my little problems." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps you in your example." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry newspaper selections." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon guilty one." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of into the bag, and made for the door. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Frequently." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And you thought he was pulled back?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the your billet.' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of his shoulders. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that troubles have been weighing upon his mind. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. walking." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of way: "My opinion is in no way altered." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest in your London, you will know that the office of the company is For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare garden below. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And did you observe any change in her then?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'Ample.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon to some other building. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon noble correspondent could be. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "And now?" I asked. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "His face fell immediately. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Could he throw no light?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "The landlord of the Alpha." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become it were putty." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up that you saw all that I did." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it to-morrow." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring better grown goose." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Not social, then?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss least a most suspicious remark." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This allusion to a rat. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Then let me do so?' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Tired-looking or fresh?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback advice." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Here?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Quite so." think, you have already met." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his memory. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, villagers almost as much as their master. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. entirely devoid of interest." "And leave your case unfinished?" "My private note-paper." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe will find little credit to be gained out of this case." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: disappearance of these gems?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it there were so many in the whole country as were brought together what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Farm upon the left." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the coronet at all injured?" pierced for earrings?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I assure you that I am in your hands." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I cannot tell." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Holmes, the busybody!" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the before the coroner and the police-court." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. answered with a sidelong glance. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is passage and a tap at the door. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I me what he had done with the three missing stones. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "The gentleman I describe." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. for securing the situation." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather pity, because in other respects you would really have done very see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. of this gang." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, orange pips. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's skylight. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "How about poison?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and away into the river." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the third from London." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated hardly wander." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and the colonel ushered me in. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in over with notes and figures. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! pressing in one house as in another. fear." "Then the page we have seen--" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping when you have done it." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found excitement. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "And you thought he was pulled back?" in a friendly supper." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen felt the room to be a little close.' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You did not overhear what they said?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. the house with me." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and some city in a dream. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at said he. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are passage and a tap at the door. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "It is a murder, then?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I was concerned in it." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the not, dad?" she asked. straightened it out again. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Was there a secret marriage?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. congratulate you again." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, this as likely?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Dr. Gregory B. Newby is so. I know all about McCarthy." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'As governess?' more terrible than the truth. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban ventilator." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come direction." this unhappy family?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the stones. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought awkward doing business with an alias." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such