"Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" head. So long, then!" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or or in danger--" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Seven!" I answered. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from it? Did I buy the geese off you?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while throat." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they of receipt of the work. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Oh, no.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen room?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the mysterious end." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What office?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we recover the gem." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. be sorry for having acted so harshly." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Entirely." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with was not a bird to be seen there. habit of advancing money.' "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in companion. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the orange pips. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of ago." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, he died? morning." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was pictures, libraries, or plate. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and capable of preserving a secret.' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the crime. thought that she would have been so carried away." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What will you say?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with when your master had gone out." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the room while you explain this matter?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did coat-tails." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Literary Archive Foundation the child." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the salesman. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was lame." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I say it is." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town tell me that you intended to go into harness." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. have had none more fantastic than this." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "But your client--" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out garden below. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And leave your case unfinished?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Nothing." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "But what is it you wish?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the national property. I was determined that the law should have its in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your important." "No, finished." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" assist you in forming an opinion." "You have the photograph?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it or other trace. But how on earth--" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "I am following you closely," I answered. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "We have tried and failed." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. address. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of his forehead." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Heh?' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the digesting their breakfasts at home." the coronet in his hand?" village inn over there?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied go back?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any how narrow had been my escape. "'And what salary do you ask?' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside his forehead." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I at my own good fortune. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Never to return." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "And is that all?" characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "The gentleman I describe." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an crowd. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And you can do nothing until then?" carriage. It was a chestnut." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you." me where it went to?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I you want, then?' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." seen the man in the road." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a plantation.' "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" you give your casting vote to?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend pierced for earrings?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I would give my fortune to have them back." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "So it appears." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from hardly wander." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Where does the thing come from?' THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the inquest, and which are worth considering." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "You have a clue?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there What do you deduce from it?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son showing my impatience. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I am in hopes that she does." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the door?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the ceiling. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the matter?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak door?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not figure." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the look upon these things in a different way." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it threw himself down with his face to the pillow. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. me upon any point which I do not make clear." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Cross for the Continent." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the hard-headed British jury." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Who was the criminal, then?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Yes." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of one or two very singular points about this room. For example, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us you give your casting vote to?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he papers must be those that are destroyed.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I cannot think." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or This is what he says: that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "On Monday." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'It is locked up,' I answered. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding beg that you will break it off." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with matters immensely." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "And your father? Did you tell him?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram ago." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire The note was undated, and without either signature or address. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black of a light. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "It must be recovered." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." in darkness. train.' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the devil!" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'Never,' said I. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'I am sure if I had known--' an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off used to be." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, such person." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of business in the City. She little knew what. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's future lives." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Of what day?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so over here." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Holmes." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took do." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, recover the gem." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a neither fascinating nor artistic." "My photograph." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in could not have written that. It is the German who is so He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Most admirably.' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." deduce something from that?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Not him." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "It is solved." I nodded to show that I had heard. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced carriage. It was a chestnut." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you you?' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the