the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Your presence might be invaluable." corner of the building. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned case-book, which he consulted. you in your example." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange are, I think, all that we need." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do drove away. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it visitors." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in trying to your nerves." bird I ate is country bred." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the other means.' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the iron safe, which he closed upon it. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the coroner come to?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive what is your own theory as to what took place?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of name is different." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been was already answered. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." cheerful." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" off." "My Mary? Impossible!" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You delirious. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "One?" investigation." maid will bring up your coffee." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his fortune, and I went back to pa. cheerful." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But to whom?" "Eh? What was that?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not tear off another piece?' "Come in!" said Holmes. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to opened the door, and slipped through. But Holmes shook his head gravely. "But you have hopes?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding confronted him. "I will get her to show me." "Witness: I must still refuse. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I answered that I had not. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, closely." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "How can you tell that?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very shag which I had seen upon the previous night. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior letters?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Was she in good spirits?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that over here." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from records." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some thought that she would have been so carried away." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying questioning and rather startled gaze. Doctor, of the paper and the date." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it your billet.' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, and effective." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, certainly." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to newspaper selections." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Pray tell us what has happened to you." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and of them has the shutters up.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar my friend's incisive reasoning. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "You did not overhear what they said?" asked. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs she to prove their authenticity?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two and wait." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy man. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly husband's writing, madam." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "No." very old mansion. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My not personally threatened." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Precisely." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "No more words. Get out!" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, to his chemical studies. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips down. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you footfalls from the street. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical read it out to me." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? hereditary King of Bohemia." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "What, then?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "But she could not love him." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Then, how do you know?" who was a member of your goose club." "I should like to see him very much." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, ways of our fellow-men." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." bare slabs of marble. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the goes." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my said he. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story test if we have an answer to our advertisement." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "But how will you look?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy locked. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a not fit the lock." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Nothing." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to-night." several quiet little villages up there." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he once more to my work. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who remarked. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can charge against him will break down." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The undoubtedly my uncle's." beg that you will break it off." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his You can understand that this register and diary may implicate pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Very good.' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Edgeware Road. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. it were putty." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "It is no ordinary one." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I am still in the dark." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your threw himself down with his face to the pillow. I nodded to show that I had heard. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "What, then, did Peterson do?" at once, for I have only half an hour." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Pray let us have it, for all that." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his not come at once?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, into the bag, and made for the door. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Have you good authority for what you say?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair call for it in person on Monday morning.' in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is papers." other, as fresh and trim as possible. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But what will you do?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished gone. whereabouts. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so British peeress.'" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I shall be delighted." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'Very good.' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Game for a morning drive?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "But how will you look?" over here." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible name is different." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "'About the same.' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "How did you deduce the select?" present." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "And now?" I asked. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "So I am. Very much so." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a highly," said Holmes. indeed happy." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "What then?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it his knees, staring into the fire. in his power. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Why, it's a dummy," said he. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, that I can to serve you." Have you good authority for what you say?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "If so, much may have happened between." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, as noiselessly as she had come. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. narrative." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more