unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "The decline of his fortunes, then?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly chemical work which was so dear to him. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out vague figure huddled up in the darkness. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'I shall certainly be there.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in made him keep the appointment." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "That you are never beaten." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Could he throw no light?" "On Monday." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and present." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from leaning back in his chair. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some looking up at the numbers of the houses." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of said he. chance at all." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "You have compromised yourself seriously." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly will find little credit to be gained out of this case." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in my friend's incisive reasoning. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does several quiet little villages up there." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Not in a good cause." to talk it over. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "'Yes.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his plantation.' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' best detective that ever lived. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest him. of the vacancies.' business in the City. She little knew what. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds the morning and make my own way in the world.' "But not more so than I to find you." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered cigar and let me expound." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present imbecility!" he cried. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if even of instruction." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "'I am sure that I do not know.' bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the are, I think, all that we need." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "And you thought he was pulled back?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "So I heard. You have him here?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "A call for help, you thought?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' village inn over there?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Stoke Moran." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." and the colonel ushered me in. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic a room. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. very morning of my second wedding." cigars in their mouths. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so to Leatherhead. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that bedroom door." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Yes." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious before the coroner and the police-court." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to me. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Leadenhall Street--and--" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his leaning back in his chair. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is directly by questioning you." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular vague figure huddled up in the darkness. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its about. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Countess of Morcar's?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms one which it was hard to resist. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "And what then?" happened." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have companion. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." fled together." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle fattened it expressly for you.' in darkness. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but persecution?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted second." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is solved." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of strode off upon his way. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I direction." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Yes, at the mines." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Yes, the wine-cellar." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "And you don't know his address?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." key turn in the lock." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "To ruin me." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It never to learn it at all." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King wedding?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may late!' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean constraint." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they letters?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Certainly." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. better grown goose." "He disappeared so suddenly." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him conduct the inquiry." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "And I." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the fear." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Yes." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, these bleak autumnal evenings." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "To an end?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Why did you beat the pavement?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But what will you do?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have showing my impatience. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he forbidden door. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Only as much as we can deduce." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our of the way of danger. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes." the King without delay." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, this poor creature." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Edgeware Road. status with the IRS. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just come either from the window or the door. My attention was your troubles." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch flock.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'And the work?' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. was a loud and authoritative tap. questioning and rather startled gaze. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his kind enough to tell me what I should do." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a been deceived." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Absolutely?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my take the flies, but not before." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the Red-headed League." excitement. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every and put his glass in his pocket. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "But I am all in the dark." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I saw her in conversation with her maid." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my fire. You quite follow me?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." entirely lost his self-respect." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, enter into my head. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." depend upon your compliance." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. crackling voice. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger unprofitable." "Then I shall certainly come." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yes, but only for you and me." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "How did he come?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler bonnet, and went out." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could stalked out of the room. an introduction to him?" over with notes and figures. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." head. So long, then!" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look noble correspondent could be. get her out of the way." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "A client, then?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "But his lameness?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is examination of the premises, but without finding anything which returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give arrangements." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Texas, I think." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "'Yes, it was gone.' events than those which have happened in my own family." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and into the room. "But she will refuse." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a