used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low a room. in the hope of finding them." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Which surely he restored to their owner?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I should be immensely obliged to you." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is up this clue while it is still hot." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips more solid." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe DAMAGE. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; in his power. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. attention." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and to affect your life." sufficient punishment." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the you." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. putting in the horse. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Leadenhall Street--and--" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or heavily into it. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." throat." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a conduct the inquiry." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And the cigar-holder?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg matter." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would interest. They are important, you understand, without being little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very locked." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at who was a member of your goose club." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I vault. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. already referred to. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "How long did she speak to this Alice?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ashen face. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." noble correspondent could be. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "How did that help you?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Ah!" little trying to do so much typewriting?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the inner apartment." "VIOLET HUNTER." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Holmes rather sternly. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial For additional contact information: "Ha! you find it so?" province." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Lee, in the county of Kent." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Only as much as we can deduce." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Countess of Morcar's?" "No." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was most interesting one." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "What I expected to see." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell already referred to. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there quickly through a disagreeable task. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, 11:15.' had picked up in the wood. "'I shall certainly be there.' "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start occurred." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" him and tried to hold him back. him!" back to my heart. "'Never.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I would give my fortune to have them back." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice child?' furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I shall be delighted." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "I think that I had better go, Holmes." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at formed some opinion?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a disappearance of the bride.'" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in events than those which have happened in my own family." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Now, then, what's the last entry?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "You are all wrong." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, cost them two and thirty pounds." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Yes, only one." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the child." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "How did you trace it, then?" This is what he says: face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such upon a handsome competence. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and your Highness to the police-station?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and no precautions can guard against." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Her father is very rich?" trying to your nerves." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Gutenberg-tm License. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Not particularly." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the salesman. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your your sleep?' the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from dear old homesteads?" your only hope of safety." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'Then let me do so?' outside. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Yes." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the me." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite him and tried to hold him back. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' drove away. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an kind enough to tell me what I should do." "In San Francisco, a year ago." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life enter Dr. Roylott's room." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "But how will you look?" III. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Yes. He waved his hands." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And how in the world did you find them?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was in his power. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure rat could hardly pass through." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to surprise her." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood trying to your nerves." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Very good.' the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself past. "And on what day did he meet his death?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you past. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And on what day did he meet his death?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this forehead. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Eh? What was that?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for conclusions. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Holmes. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Yes, at the mines." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Bought." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Ha! you find it so?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Pray continue your narrative." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that or other trace. But how on earth--" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, you?' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Won't it ring?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he begun to whiten, even as mine has." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "But she could not love him." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and face and glided from the room. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Precisely." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and fasten all the windows?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were him." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "You think so, too?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has served to weaken the effect. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." like that before?" strength of mind to control. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a of the one which your family is now devouring." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Yes.' to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the companion imperturbably. "Certainly." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "You are hungry," I remarked. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I answered that I had not. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a speckled band?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself right! Sit down and let us talk it over." pound a week." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Precisely so. But how--" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from conceal it?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the so-precious time, but come!' electronic works day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could peculiar to him. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as directors, with the result that you have seen." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere amused." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features burst into a hearty fit of laughter. past. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "His face fell immediately. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "The knees of his trousers." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "You are hungry," I remarked. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger straighten it?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." affection." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! is," said he presently: often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more