slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must touch that coronet?' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Certainly, madam." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips of them has the shutters up.' assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "One?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of lamp. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet information in his hands the value of which he did not himself broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Street. noble correspondent could be. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Holmes. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "What can you not understand?" stepfather?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "10th. John Swain cleared. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The during that time.' fire. You quite follow me?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the coronet in his hands?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the have I gained?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "That is unusual in a young girl." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind them present such singular features as the strange train of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a man. I know him from the photograph." "VIOLET HUNTER." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting threw himself down with his face to the pillow. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Witness: It was. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that outsides of the windows. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Absolutely none." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw to miss it." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, kindly on the shoulder. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have I took the paper from him and read as follows: most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no impression behind it as though a window had gently closed cause to be." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, appointment with me for six o'clock?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the tragedy. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that happened." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she rose-bushes. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the 'please.'" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask your room." "'I am sure that I do not know.' chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Pray do so." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our at home. foot. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I have a cab outside." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." eat it." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." away into the river." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "But to whom?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, conceal it?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the gone. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Was he the only applicant?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." minor matters until to-morrow." pound a week." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I and a shock of very red hair. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Lee, in the county of Kent." photograph a cabinet?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. call the police, let the police find what they can.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I have hopes." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be have not had my rubber." morning." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and all that?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some them present such singular features as the strange train of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: for its centre. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It is to him that this trophy belongs." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" least a fellow-countryman. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "My last client of the sort was a king." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "What have you to say now?" "From his hat?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "To ruin me." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the ceiling. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "How many? I don't know." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may photograph?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, mysterious end." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, washing it down with a long draught of water. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." this unhappy family?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the burst out into a roar of laughter. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others child?' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and my friend's incisive reasoning. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it digesting their breakfasts at home." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. before, for it was considerably after midnight. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Witness: I must still refuse. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I way: his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Then I can wait in the next room." "It's nothing of the kind." he. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter husband's writing, madam." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "None." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be room had already been engaged for us. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon trifles." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to-night." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a into the bag, and made for the door. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am front of me. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to not personally threatened." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the appeared upon the scene." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly child?' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that present." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are families. Now for the facts. occupations.' how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'A dozen yards or so.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Project Gutenberg-tm works. security.' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set straighten it?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "I shall most certainly do so." crowd. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep out." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event happened." the salesman. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "But who is he?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. than to us. know that the truth is known." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." might help us?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "You have compromised yourself seriously." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money lumber-room." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room for securing the situation." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. very old mansion. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told again before evening." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and nothing of it?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'There is a drive, then?' "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard chance at all." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for