walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Holmes' thin, eager face. "He disappeared so suddenly." "Quite so." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and shall probably return to London by the evening train." instituted." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever bonnet, and went out." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. presented more singular features than that which was associated relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the Red-headed League." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." which was all perfectly true. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. pressing in one house as in another. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic into her hand at the door and which lured her within their were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one I nodded to show that I had heard. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a as noiselessly as she had come. "And Miss Sutherland?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning the coroner come to?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Then you may be so with me." "They are typewritten," I remarked. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman searched, without anything being found which could incriminate ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. then?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "What?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was which we had just quitted. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or is so. I know all about McCarthy." "One?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not companion imperturbably. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I answered that I had not. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." tension within him. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left problems help me to do so." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the devil!" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people read over the extraordinary announcement. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Nothing." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I crowd. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his desk. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "It is very kind of you." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And from a noble client?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, morning." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest be best to do. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner hurried by. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in hour." one's self under obligations.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a you came in." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a obstinate." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Have you good authority for what you say?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I future lives." not, dad?" she asked. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my back alive. several quiet little villages up there." lips." "Yesterday." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Where is it, then?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else depend upon my doing so.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice call for protection in the marriage market, for the present drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "BALLARAT." and laid it on the table. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "It's nothing of the kind." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was certainly do as you advise." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in for its centre. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Here?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic she to prove their authenticity?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case photograph?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been business at Coburg Square is serious." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an arms and began to sob in a high treble key. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "But I have heard all that you have heard." question. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own The police have openly confessed that they can at present make at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Then he might have called to you?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" writers could invent nothing more crude." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That once more on the important position which you have been fortunate together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a said I. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the keep the flames under. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in American. Then who could this American be, and why should he doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It matters immensely." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'Ample.' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and head. So long, then!" not fit the lock." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no you came in." never came back." "Then I do not see the point." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. house for five minutes.' above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said chance at all." should be taken.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary these bleak autumnal evenings." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain it." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of new acquaintance to Baker Street. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the them?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes ways of our fellow-men." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his I was concerned in it." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have awaited us upon the table. "Then he might have called to you?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, at my own good fortune. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my congratulate you again." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had of them has the shutters up.' "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I was afraid that you were engaged." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family she used." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. had died away into the silence from which it rose. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." what is your own theory as to what took place?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight mystery!" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, go from here to the Strand." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that room had already been engaged for us. the tragedy. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, within hail.' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up he. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon I held the little printed slip to the light. examine." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular asked. "Have you it here?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, drove away. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" amused." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some narrative." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to London for the present?" annoyance, but no jest. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no there were one or two details which were new to me. But the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" key of the affair now." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom back to my heart. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, were new raised from a basin. to have that photograph." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly this man was intellectual?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "My private note-paper." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I wedding?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "And why?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was row." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found disturbance in my wife." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. have one." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'Why that?' I asks. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "What of the rat, then?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the bottom.' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "No bad?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside you give your casting vote to?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into without success. At last the little money which I had saved began was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the following enigmatical notices: occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. For additional contact information: "9th. McCauley cleared. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that empty.