sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here brought there to personate someone, and the real person is they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "And did you observe any change in her then?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "I have come for advice." tell me that you intended to go into harness." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Not in the least." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "I do." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "But who is he?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "How about poison?" when your master had gone out." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, so.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." jewels which you have stolen?' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the side-table." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter said I. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought jewels which you have stolen?' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "An enemy?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by away into the river." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, ordinary clothes on?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his danger is over." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Then he might have called to you?" room?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. one of them." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches infinite languor in his face. "I don't believe it." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' have established a very serious case against the son of the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the side-table." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. voice, changing her seat as requested. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "You think that he is dead?" outside." husband's writing, madam." For additional contact information: I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Yes." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon south, for the country is more deserted there." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace arrangements." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "I am all attention, madam." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Holmes' face clouded over. "My opinion is in no way altered." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the best of training." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always me where it went to?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year for securing the situation." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "So I have heard." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could place of silver." morning." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "So it appears." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "But his lameness?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' me. You must get home instantly and act." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Lee, in the county of Kent." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Where, indeed?" eat it." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the coat-tails." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a speckled band?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. might help us?" the Assizes." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in promised to bring home. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney His name is Francis Prosper." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing some water from a caraffe. overpowering excitement and concern. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "The rest you will leave in our hands." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I fear not." "But I have heard all that you have heard." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'In my own bureau.' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "What will you say?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Entirely." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. ready to-morrow?' "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I will try. What is it?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "About a month then." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' posted to-day." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Never.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but key turn in the lock." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk which our visitor detailed to us. DAMAGE. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that been shamefully used." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Yes, certainly." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Holmes, the busybody!" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Very. But will he see it?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to was it brought him the coronet? know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I say that I have solved it." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to up this clue while it is still hot." Literary Archive Foundation "I have a cab outside." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the dangers which encompass me." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as he bowed and left the room without another word. digesting their breakfasts at home." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most sufficient punishment." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." situation." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the bottom.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a information in his hands the value of which he did not himself caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "What! a murderous attack?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in important." have not had my rubber." "Nothing." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Holmes. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is how narrow had been my escape. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. hardly wander." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning strength." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "So I am. Very much so." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I cannot imagine." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled dramatic, in fact." I nodded again. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, was feeling which was the fattest.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of of receipt of the work. and capable of preserving a secret.' the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; papers diligently of late, have you not?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Game for a morning drive?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came pierced for earrings?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it instincts rose up against that laugh. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of your young ladies.' "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, hardly wander." his face which made him a very different person to the round, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Which surely he restored to their owner?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss said he. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "And on what day did he meet his death?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to purpose of examination. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I think that I had better go, Holmes." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "No." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Which are?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the warnings." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him business in the City. She little knew what. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Pray do so." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, leaning back in his chair. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he good-night and bustled off upon her way. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the orange pips. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were have had none more fantastic than this." "And I." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just to have been novel and of interest." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Ah!" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I cannot tell." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Yes, certainly." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard quickly through a disagreeable task. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was a lad." populous neighbourhood." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks strong reason behind." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced voice, changing her seat as requested. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel any little problem which you may submit to me." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Yes. He waved his hands." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found call for it in person on Monday morning.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all very old mansion. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low was feeling which was the fattest.' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped important." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Absolutely?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. way in." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, shoulder. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner colonel looking down at me. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him ago." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Eh? What was that?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And from a noble client?"