"Witness: Nothing definite. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. unkempt, staring out at me. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "What then?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the again on its way. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the results." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "It is his hat." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, behind me. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "My private note-paper." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say really the only notable feature about the thing." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, know that the truth is known." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and points to suicide?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small interests were the same as his." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered shoulder. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this read it out to me." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of where we are going." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Was your sister dressed?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it might help us?" second." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You were travelling in the States?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over one's self under obligations.' "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our into the bag, and made for the door. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their becomes even more simple." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Street. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. your most interesting statement." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for over with notes and figures. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Holmes rather sternly. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Lee, in the county of Kent." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'Yes, I promise.' was shining brightly. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll vague figure huddled up in the darkness. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur wedding?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "BALLARAT." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Absolutely none." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King hands. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "The King of Scandinavia." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "How many? I don't know." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would point in the dark hollow of his hand. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside vanished into the darkness. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "One horse?" interjected Holmes. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." is acting for the best. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary forehead. for the market.' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. interested in these little problems, and since you are good such attractions and accomplishments?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Then I am your man." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. what these perils are?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "'Never.' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque my former friend and companion. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You will he say when he returns?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" in my life." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the me. You must get home instantly and act." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a feature." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the wall." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent lamp in his hand. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Ten will be early enough." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem companion quietly. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the despair." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There spare." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which most important business. It is probable that he will be away all immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the a very grave face. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried friends, not even his own brother. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, do.' faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Where did he live, then?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Ten to two.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in you do it in twenty minutes!' "How did that help you?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut wedding?" "You did not overhear what they said?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a crackling voice. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: place no limit on the sum I may draw." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them here and I will read it to you: One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier it." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." chemical work which was so dear to him. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Seven!" I answered. "None." said he. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Eyford at 11:15.' find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must in this way: go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried way: bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on of a light. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Will you go?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "You have carte blanche." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I have my revolver," said I. quickly through a disagreeable task. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Cross for the Continent." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And your father? Did you tell him?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the views." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Will you go?" death." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "It goes to the housekeeper's room." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The best possible." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something October 9, 1890. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so meant it for the best. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "And how did you find out?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold three fields round his house, and there he would take his pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if fear." "'And the work?' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the little opening for the ventilator is." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which our visitor detailed to us. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business chance at all." hopeless attempt at recovering them." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few hands. the best of training." ceremony." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean soul! here is her carriage at the door." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of which I could not give. He asked for Alice. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you remarked. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in in this way: these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was always that they were such commands as a lady might with Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "He slept on the premises." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" his huge brown hands. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "And why?" his forehead." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Get out!" said he. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "And sit in the dark?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot to have that photograph." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, obstinate." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the so-precious time, but come!' the room while you explain this matter?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "What!" he roared. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, goes." "On the contrary, this is the right side." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the careless servant girl?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man was the fact that his father should, according to his account, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "But to whom?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold,