full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "But he might be a bachelor." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of be there in time for your coming." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air was the fact that his father should, according to his account, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It is possible." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the them?" you do it in twenty minutes!' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." certainly do as you advise." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "In what way?" asked Holmes. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You will not go there first?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. chance at all." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Dr. Gregory B. Newby room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I roused himself from his reverie. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "But what is it you wish?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The beg that you will break it off." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Not particularly." mysterious end." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is in this note: shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Why did you beat the pavement?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of the vacancies.' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and yards of it?' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'Yes, I promise.' to some other building. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "It is his hat." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "One?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Get out!" said he. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether think that he is innocent?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." one of them." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you green of the new foliage. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and ran thus: which was all perfectly true. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed acted in my house last night?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the chambers. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut questionable one." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat as this. Pray let me have the details." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child as he remarks, very much against the son." giving me time to thank him. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and matters immensely." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was lame." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I should wish to." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the fluttered off among the others. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "I was afraid that you were engaged." you." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box such attractions and accomplishments?' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and it need not interfere very much with one's other the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when on in his house." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "But you can know nothing of this?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Get out!" said he. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He where she found matters as described by the last witness. help us in this matter." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and unprofitable." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." up this clue while it is still hot." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking 1.F. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even if she died from some sudden fright." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you burst out into a roar of laughter. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt and glanced through. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I him, that man would not have given me such complete information The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Of what day?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Quite so." down. "Well, but China?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would to take care of herself." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the telegram would bring me down to your help." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I am all attention, madam." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'Yes, I promise.' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "My private note-paper." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped gone before you can get him to hospital." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Certainly." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "To ruin me." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "By no means." "I cannot tell." "Yes, that is the Crown." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I would pay ten." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped least a fellow-countryman. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I am in hopes that she does." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "It was." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about it were putty." entirely devoid of interest." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I have come for advice." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I am about to be married." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful advice." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If me." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Ample.' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's hurried by. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, roused himself from his reverie. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every into her hand at the door and which lured her within their said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was do.' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I cannot imagine." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own said he at last. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they his cane at the bell-pull. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I see no marks." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, least a fellow-countryman. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "But he might be a bachelor." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias ceremony." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Your French gold?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Who by?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "On Monday." pierced for earrings?" "That you are never beaten." infinite languor in his face. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Very good.' such person." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into his huge brown hands. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But it has twice been burgled." his knees, staring into the fire. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words help us in this matter." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to be. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "It is half-past ten now." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out overpowering excitement and concern. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "None." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my look dissatisfied." populous neighbourhood." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To to affect your life." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain had no one to advise her at such a crisis." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Watson," he said cordially. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Frequently." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "No, distinctly professional." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "But how did you gain them?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before coat-tails." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the night.' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "None." "'There is a drive, then?' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I have seen the police." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Breckinridge is his name." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban The King stared at him in amazement. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." where she found matters as described by the last witness. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet like that before?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for asked. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Ten will be early enough." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, you understand?" They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on them?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bell. Holmes whistled. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no is," said he presently: "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." father's place of business?" "Have you it here?" "My stepfather's business papers." will take you up to see the machine.' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something