from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The father's place of business?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to mystery may be cleared along those lines." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, speckled band?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands for securing the situation." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most vanished into the darkness. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that derbies." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." south, for the country is more deserted there." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for train.' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "It's nothing of the kind." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss voice. All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Yes, they were peculiar boots." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of pictures, libraries, or plate. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "It looks newer than the other things?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Pray let us have it, for all that." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "ARAT," I read. "'Yes.' and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Yes, at the mines." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this photograph?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the forecastle of an emigrant ship. rat could hardly pass through." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way infinite languor in his face. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I cannot say that I have." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for developed." to a light-house. back to my heart. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that asked. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal vault. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, a very grave face. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in instincts rose up against that laugh. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend writing, and yet I know it well." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Your presence might be invaluable." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "If I can be of use." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not had a long day." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very voice. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the as the one I chose?' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'Never.' "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would crowd. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Not social, then?" fluttered off among the others. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to wedding?" new duties?' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "That is it on the dressing-table." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. tied." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of my special province." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. any more." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to that open window." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked secret." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw your only hope of safety." "No, thank goodness, she did not." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Yes." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the secret." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. ordinary clothes on?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town he. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I shall most certainly do so." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." late." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty chair. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call several quiet little villages up there." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his new acquaintance to Baker Street. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in too. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is very clear." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence through." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "We were both in the photograph." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple stepfather?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers you for a few hours?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the is acting for the best. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in cigars in their mouths. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying woven round him. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Then the page we have seen--" cup of tea. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so allusion to a rat. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly this poor creature." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Not I." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between head. So long, then!" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into of your young ladies.' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "In San Francisco, a year ago." and effective." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out than was visible to me." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "The gentleman I describe." your co-operation." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" own family. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the nursery. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was you." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, lamp. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, hurried by. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her instituted." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His intrusion of other matters." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in better in every way that they should make their position a little is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'There is a drive, then?' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The have I gained?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. said he at last. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "He is still with you, I presume?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was you in yours." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Ten will be early enough." carpenter." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was to surprise her." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Quite so." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' if only as a check to my own memory." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Whose house is it?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes, certainly." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand get her out of the way." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." cost them two and thirty pounds." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in stepfather?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more tell me that you intended to go into harness." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it see a sister of mine apply for." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands that I may have something better before very many minutes are the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "But I am all in the dark." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon it." "'Yes, sir.' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk I. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his morning." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until directors, with the result that you have seen." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no lectures into a series of tales." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had to that open window." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed leaning back in his chair. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "I guessed as much." and laid it on the table. "I say that I have solved it." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious married her." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us appeal." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us answered with a sidelong glance. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "At the wedding breakfast." "Can I be of assistance?" "And you don't know his address?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Yes." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the sofa. This way, please!" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the extraordinary contortions. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and have this put in the evening papers." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your that he will be back before evening." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his get the tickets." she might be summoned. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "You know me, then?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a congratulate you again." suddenly upon us." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Doctor, of the paper and the date." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the awaited us upon the table. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press there!' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'Yes.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the devil!" and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was him!" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, and the church but not where the lady lived." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden night.' said he. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get