overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into carpenter." signal between you and your father? fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his thin, with a long, sharp nose?" in darkness. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I am following you closely," I answered. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "What, then?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very helping a boy to put up the shutters. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I don't believe it." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "How often?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We chill to my heart. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he point in the dark hollow of his hand. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Not in the least." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he murdered man." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Not I." "I would pay ten." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." any more." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "You think that he is dead?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's national property. I was determined that the law should have its hour." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations he bowed and left the room without another word. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the the warnings." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'Yes, I promise.' in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "We have tried and failed." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear closing the door. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Perhaps I have." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the orange pips. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots purpose of examination. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "How many? I don't know." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had cheerful." of it with the greatest attention. to-night." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Arthur Conan Doyle the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the noting anything else of interest. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that works. See paragraph 1.E below. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with ago." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; them, and came down just as you departed. from the brougham. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Eh? What was that?" with the outside air!" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture in. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several remarked. are, I think, all that we need." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take dates and names. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "That you are never beaten." client, rising. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "That is it on the dressing-table." you?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Certainly not. But why?' "That also I could fathom." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the matter." "'You cannot say what it was?' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "An accident, I presume?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Texas, I think." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note crowd. keep the flames under. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "You have compromised yourself seriously." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Yes, they were peculiar boots." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until have had none more fantastic than this." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over shall use the carriage to-night." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your formed some opinion?" affection." Edgeware Road. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated correct than the official force." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "An enemy?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and good for you to do.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" secret." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing was once confined in the cab my mission was practically plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our down. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I than to us. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and pierced for earrings?" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" have an American origin." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. arrested. You then--" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Not I." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "No?" "'Certainly not.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "But he might be a bachelor." possible that we could bring him back to her? where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, answer." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped you in yours." "You think that he is dead?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Well, it is a possible supposition." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and hardly wander." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could been lifted and conveyed somewhere." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this constraint." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he goes." humiliation." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Literary Archive Foundation "A call for help, you thought?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in is now desirous of getting those letters back." stalked out of the room. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a flock.' in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the date of his supposed suicide." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that friends, not even his own brother. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, I have one waiting." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Munro.' of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "So I am. Very much so." father's young wife. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "If I can be of use." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "So I have heard." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a one else, I think." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but him and tried to hold him back. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Well, but China?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I never have." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own which I could not give. He asked for Alice. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" so far?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "No, finished." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "No." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR amused." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "That was it, sir." that he will be back before evening." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one formed some opinion?" becomes even more simple." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his stammered. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "You will not go there first?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "This photograph!" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at cigar and let me expound." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." villagers almost as much as their master. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my round and wave him away like that.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' own family. from the brougham. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be should be taken.' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though signal between you and your father? Have you good authority for what you say?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the dangers which encompass me." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. During two years I have had three consultations and one small propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "The murder was done with it." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there train from Paddington which would bring you there at about in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long been able to understand it, in a very few words. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel your room." business in the City. She little knew what. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Not social, then?" you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "You will not go there first?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which upon the shelf for the interim." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "He disappeared so suddenly." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "'You cannot say what it was?' so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were hurried by. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she lamp. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Countess of Morcar's?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' nice household for a young lady." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical