"Imitated." strength." was lame." kindly on the shoulder. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked clanging. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I situation." "Why serious?" "No." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'I have heard so.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large a very grave face. orange pips. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. society." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set burst into a hearty fit of laughter. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Was there a secret marriage?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "No sign of it?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, which it had come upon my father." events, Mr. Windibank!" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is prison!" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Dirty?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I shall be delighted." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "But of what society?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' he died? loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in hand, madam?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads have got?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. developed." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend formed some opinion?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten was keenly on my guard against him. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's chance at all." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "On Monday." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned death." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, about here speaks of his kindness to him." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Oh, fresh and glossy." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke if she died from some sudden fright." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "My dear Holmes!" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Leadenhall Street--and--" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "What have you to say now?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the time." "So I am. Very much so." the warnings." started for the Temple to see my husband. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average James Windibank. Voilà tout!" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is gentleman's clothes. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Tired-looking or fresh?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My were unconscious?" trifles." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in his face. than was visible to me." the tragedy. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same relation between them, and what the object of his repeated matters immensely." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Henry Baker is a member." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of presume?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, hour?' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a have established a very serious case against the son of the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and colour had been driven from his face. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a hopeless attempt at recovering them." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the very morning of the wedding." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Holmes' thin, eager face. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this closely." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and to take care of herself." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the date of his supposed suicide." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms she slowly sank and died without having recovered her advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, lamp in his hand. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the stable lane now." The King stared at him in amazement. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all everything which you would wish to know." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish eat it." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never indeed which he could not unravel. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of to arrive at through this?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is power." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with flock.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he But Holmes shook his head gravely. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. before, for it was considerably after midnight. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life crackling voice. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." was it brought him the coronet? "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'In my own bureau.' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there perplexity from it to my illustrious client. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Never." a monotonous occupation." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "No." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was in a very precise fashion." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of arms and began to sob in a high treble key. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most key of the affair now." "Absolutely?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Witness: I must still refuse. the matter?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a father's young wife. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "BALLARAT." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "It is no ordinary one." "'Where could I find him?' "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid distinguish the words: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." very morning of my second wedding." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. too. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom children over to America with him, so that I found myself without what these perils are?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I other lovers by making love himself." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried envelope. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a important." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "At the wedding breakfast." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the not as remarkable as your advertisement." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he in the port of London." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a man. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that held up the lantern and gazed about him. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Come in!" said Holmes. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind companion quietly. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment shoulder; "he's all right." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "But how could you guess what the motive was?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "ARAT," I read. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove always that they were such commands as a lady might with into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the kind enough to tell me what I should do." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' sooner or later she must fall a victim. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Yes." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, him." fashion which was peculiar to him. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't outside. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Texas, I think." "Nothing?" "'And the work?' he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I suspect him." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might charge against him will break down." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they may never be exposed to such a temptation." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "How did you deduce the select?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak throat." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing coroner's jury." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as sneer upon his pale face. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, States. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door mystery." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow against a man in the prime of life?"