dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was you?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "And why?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions done what I asked you, Jones?" fact, we may call it conclusive." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "He said that you could solve anything." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hardly wander." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I you?' tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I answered that I had not. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came words came to my lips. quickly through a disagreeable task. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property carpenter." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "His face fell immediately. acted in my house last night?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Why did you pick him?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "No good news?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. tension within him. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "You know me, then?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Well." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It must be recovered." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to eavesdroppers?' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" families. Now for the facts. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fluttered off among the others. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; cost them two and thirty pounds." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a easy-going way." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! what is your own theory as to what took place?" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any not, dad?" she asked. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Holmes' room. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no gbnewby@pglaf.org absolutely follow my advice in every respect." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. individual and becomes the badge of a society." flock.' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I will not look." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, suddenly upon us." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his the bed, and you in that chair." "Get out!" said he. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "On Monday." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to important." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as third from London." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Of Friday, June 19th." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It page at http://pglaf.org it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very that I am arrested." my room." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a nonsense.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "And Miss Sutherland?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and your relations to her." seen the man in the road." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Have you good authority for what you say?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry suddenly upon us." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast that I can to serve you." whereabouts. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my residence of the great financier. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "What is it?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who happened." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall you, my dear young lady?' already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to tension within him. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." strode off upon his way. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his disappearance of the bride.'" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and papers on the sundial.'" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Certainly." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not American. Then who could this American be, and why should he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more spark where all is dark to me." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled long narrative. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have chemical work which was so dear to him. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Arthur Conan Doyle "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the like gravel from a pit.' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Yes, sir." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I will get her to show me." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Yes." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the devil!" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all him nearly every evening." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she woman who has had her own way to make in the world. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "No." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight thin legs towards the fire. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You brandy and water within his reach. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "How did you deduce the select?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my good for you to do.' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "VIOLET HUNTER." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Munro.' "I cannot think." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general enough to aid us in our search." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Literary Archive Foundation her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And your father? Did you tell him?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our their singular warning or token before them when starting upon roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "What office?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "What is it?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell to-night?' depend upon my doing so.' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Does that suggest anything?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "She walked into the breakfast-room." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where criminal. We have already had experience of such." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "This photograph!" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous prove to be little relation between the different incidents of burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to what I may call a really hard day's work." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a young Openshaw's." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "In heaven's name, what for?" "'And the work?' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "And help." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced just ask you whether you had heard it.' "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that you in yours." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet during that time.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Does that suggest anything?" an introduction to him?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "I cannot tell." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and all of them with the keenest interest. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Yes, sir." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the late." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your in a friendly supper." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their returning from some small jollification and was making his way his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You have but to name it." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I vault. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he thirty. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I have a cab outside." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "You think so, too?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique morning." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of