thin, with a long, sharp nose?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, where we are going." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the where she found matters as described by the last witness. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten was lame." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and wait." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Then I am your man." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of visitors." it." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Did he not advertise?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for are, I think, all that we need." companion. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came quick march!" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with to some other building. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the vanished into the darkness. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. in a very precise fashion." than to us. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to bonnet, and went out." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "But how?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. daring than any effort of the imagination." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "No, thank goodness, she did not." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that His smile broadened. "What then?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Munro.' "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Ten will be early enough." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each important." about. "And for present expenses?" "At the wedding breakfast." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" skylight. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were villagers almost as much as their master. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all man. I know him from the photograph." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Frequently." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "You heard nothing yourself last night?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered place no limit on the sum I may draw." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the examine." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "In what way?" asked Holmes. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then occurred." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Was the window open?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "When did it break out?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope brought there to personate someone, and the real person is lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The system of imprisonment?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Holmes' room. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "'As governess?' "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was important." door?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "What are they?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in learned something! Where are the gems?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which third from London." not fit the lock." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian started for the Temple to see my husband. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Do you go out much in society?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in should be taken.' "How many? I don't know." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, him." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Upon what point?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." "But he might be a bachelor." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was But Holmes shook his head gravely. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Nothing." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "He is dead," cried several voices. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Will you bet, then?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has she to prove their authenticity?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who disturbance in my wife." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled writing, and yet I know it well." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "But to whom?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the have established a very serious case against the son of the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his absorbing." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from fait accompli?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged spark where all is dark to me." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in yourselves in at night?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the best of training." a suggestive one." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." six. Come in!" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." better in every way that they should make their position a little locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a forbidden door. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and a shock of very red hair. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at question. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that I am arrested." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I took the paper from him and read as follows: lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my must compliment you." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the when you have done it." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" go from here to the Strand." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a girl said." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Project Gutenberg-tm works. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a been with you?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the photograph?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his chill to my heart. "What can you not understand?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much awkward doing business with an alias." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And how did you verify them?" "No, I am descending." point in the dark hollow of his hand. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Whose house is it?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to Leatherhead. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "What then?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain other lovers by making love himself." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." know that the truth is known." the bottom.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission crackling voice. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his been." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by society." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might lectures into a series of tales." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the the so-precious time, but come!' "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I cannot imagine." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "No legal papers or certificates?" IS "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found light and attacked it." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. whereabouts. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year not, dad?" she asked. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was it were putty." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he on in his house." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Nothing." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Eh? What was that?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the as yours." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with room had already been engaged for us. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter be. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which even of instruction." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Entirely." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "No, distinctly professional." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the little opening for the ventilator is." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, with her." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of colonel looking down at me. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." her also." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, business matters.' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "I cannot as yet see any connection." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I