Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him attention." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "No." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "You think that he is dead?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave again on its way. "'Then let me do so?' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Yes." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "But who is he?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the ceiling. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "It is no ordinary one." felt?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Your presence might be invaluable." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Where does the thing come from?' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "'Certainly not.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Where, then, is my wife?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." was shining brightly. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "What!" he roared. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" occupations.' "The murder was done with it." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may threw himself down with his face to the pillow. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion seen the man in the road." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "No, my brougham is waiting." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little place of silver." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew promised to bring home. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "My own seal." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." events than those which have happened in my own family." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "We must have a cab." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "It is solved." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the even so self-evident a thing as that." will be renamed. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." carriage. It was a chestnut." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you The police have openly confessed that they can at present make said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has correct than the official force." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my good-night and bustled off upon her way. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Get out!" said he. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the McCarthy's innocence. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "And I say east," said my patient. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot know that the truth is known." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I were wasted." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Yes, the wine-cellar." to take care of herself." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting British peeress.'" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "VIOLET HUNTER." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call several quiet little villages up there." "What have you to say now?" "One?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "In which, sir?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" cause to be." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I characteristics, but those are the more obvious." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of may have an influence upon European history." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "That is unusual in a young girl." enough to aid us in our search." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and few hundred pounds.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I at my remark. sneer upon his pale face. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "What can you not understand?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "What then?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "'Quite sure, dad.' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that States. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know simple cases which are so extremely difficult." rat could hardly pass through." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "What do you mean?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand locked. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "And for present expenses?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "But what harm can there be in that?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "It is his hat." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure away in different directions, and I went off to make my own His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "It is possible." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly will take you up to see the machine.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "I am all attention, madam." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. outbreak?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "'What do you call purely nominal?' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between to arrive at through this?" "Pray do so." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most said I. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I as he folded up the epistle. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously children over to America with him, so that I found myself without resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your respectable self." "You have a clue?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Yes." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "'What are you doing there?' he asked. in his power. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and see a sister of mine apply for." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." advice." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep prison!" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect I nodded again. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Stolen!' he cried. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen meant." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Why did you beat the pavement?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the feature." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "And the murderer?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of he. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and have this put in the evening papers." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "But how will you look?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" them present such singular features as the strange train of imbecility!" he cried. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "It is true that I have been generally successful." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that strong reason behind." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief garden below. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" humiliation." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the Assizes." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "If so, much may have happened between." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our meant." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Imitated." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Your sister is dead, then?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and effective." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for enough to aid us in our search." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'Certainly not.' entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" that he has suffered." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both note?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "That sounds a little paradoxical." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I cannot imagine." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to went to the Alpha were town bred." noble correspondent could be. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'I have heard so.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "No sign of it?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" meant it for the best. a room. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman had picked up in the wood. the one as in the other." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and girl said." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in spare." strong reason behind." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of the way of danger. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Not in a good cause." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal himself. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight John Swain, of St. Augustine. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival John Swain, of St. Augustine. young Openshaw's." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no just called myself is not exactly my own." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, said he. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Witness: I must still refuse. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "She showed me, as I told you she would." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I