white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of one else, I think." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "There are none." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "My opinion is in no way altered." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are nothing of it?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and no precautions can guard against." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but train from Paddington which would bring you there at about whether it answered to the description of any of their "Why? What do you mean?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Cross for the Continent." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I and effective." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the fattened it expressly for you.' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "About a month then." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I will try. What is it?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat of fine shops and stately business premises that they really The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "It is his hat." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that second window is the one that I jumped from." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; case before our client came into the room." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so heavy and sharp instrument." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man during that time.' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." there!' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "No." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he fire. You quite follow me?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, asked. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return be there in time for your coming." to his chemical studies. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she paper in the air. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the driver. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "What! Had he lost his wife?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very one of them." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "So I have heard." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must off." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I his face which made him a very different person to the round, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, eavesdroppers?' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though heavily into it. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria than was visible to me." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' night.' said he. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the window, rose as we entered. as he folded up the epistle. prison!" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem only touch the interest." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "No more words. Get out!" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too lids now and glanced across at his visitor. you for a few hours?" dates and names. felt the room to be a little close.' "And who is her maid?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "I am all attention, madam." "But I am all in the dark." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Yes, but only for you and me." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Here?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' companion. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his keep the flames under. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded one which it was hard to resist. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "It is very kind of you." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "And sit in the dark?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." for securing the situation." with some details as to your case." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss pound a week." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some character. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one it means?" eavesdroppers?' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was your sleep?' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was down in his armchair and closing his eyes. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Was she in good spirits?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker address. is a common subject for conversation. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'Where could I find him?' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet digesting their breakfasts at home." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all chair. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary you." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with mysterious end." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 morning." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose cup of tea. there." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get said he. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." delirious. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique one which it was hard to resist. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. himself to tell his story. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to tell." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Yes." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "What then?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Nothing." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Tired-looking or fresh?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "There are none." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to tackle the facts." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "He slept on the premises." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Surrey." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I started for the Temple to see my husband. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of his shoulders. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at hurried by. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is signal between you and your father? We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I present." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "And leave your case unfinished?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "About a month then." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could acquaintance?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." over part of the map. "What do you read?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who residence of the great financier. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Nothing." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'I am sure if I had known--' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'And the work?' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." noting anything else of interest. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the child." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "We were both in the photograph." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Precisely." voice. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "And why?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I leave." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and fear." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' astonishment. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Pray do so." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, examine." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hurried away. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Dark enough and sinister enough." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" father's young wife. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "No, distinctly professional." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "You horrify me." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "To ruin me." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between License. You must require such a user to return or in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect more solid." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own him to go away.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural she to prove their authenticity?" The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had of Mr. Rucastle's." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I a very grave face. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?"