in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his kind enough to tell me what I should do." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Whose house is it?" but preventing her from injuring another. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house on in his house." it." are windows in it, of course?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would something of him before." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call note?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Seven!" I answered. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right with you alone." paper in the air. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke call it cruel." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive became a certainty. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and glanced through. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and go from here to the Strand." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Yes." tightly behind him. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. had a long day." II. "'Yes, I promise.' it." "But we can't all be." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of definite end. several quiet little villages up there." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Holmes." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. enter into my head. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. power." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have beg that you will break it off." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to my special province." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My sofa. This way, please!" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a with her." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "But what is it you wish?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an standing smiling on the door-step. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly go--none." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Yes, but only for you and me." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I was sure that I might rely on you." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "You are all wrong." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "It is solved." points to suicide?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Nor running a chance of arrest?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly intrusion of other matters." "'It is locked up,' I answered. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night to a more successful conclusion." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the be there in time for your coming." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same friends, not even his own brother. "'Yes, sir.' which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Stolen, then." "Where, then?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "We must sit without light. He would see it through the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was it brought him the coronet? tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite one or two very singular points about this room. For example, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "But how?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Very. But will he see it?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but were new raised from a basin. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Why did you beat the pavement?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the to change my dress. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as mysterious business." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and astonishment. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Of what day?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" the station." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that but preventing her from injuring another. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, official police." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Quite so. She has her freedom." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Never." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "And what then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow of Fenchurch Street." gone before you can get him to hospital." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and capable of preserving a secret.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose hour?' was used.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "But to whom?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with annoyance, but no jest. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is suggested at once that there must be a communication between the convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an official police." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as the stones. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a annoyance, but no jest. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend voice. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the strength in the others." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a papers." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken very old mansion. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in father's place of business?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last detained." not fit the lock." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in cost them two and thirty pounds." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my stalked out of the room. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we better in every way that they should make their position a little "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the death." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to have been novel and of interest." "Stolen." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more followed. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the armchair which I pushed forward for him. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "No legal papers or certificates?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in page at http://pglaf.org as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "And it is--" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Yes." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'Certainly,' I answered. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of what these perils are?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than union?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that point in the dark hollow of his hand. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to sound at heart." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "The decline of his fortunes, then?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Then he might have called to you?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Of Friday, June 19th." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie to surprise her." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the you." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink locked." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Witness: It was. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See seven miles from Eyford Station.' and a shock of very red hair. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all lost nothing by them." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Will you go?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms he. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not lids now and glanced across at his visitor. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "You have carte blanche." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Why, it's a dummy," said he. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "How did he come?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "It is very clear." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I detective. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which to arrive at through this?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I will get her to show me." "Then I do not see the point." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may which was all perfectly true. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me think you a quite exceptional woman." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I was sure that I might rely on you." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to anything to a woman, for she would have her way." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "To ruin me." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I assure you that I am in your hands." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this During two years I have had three consultations and one small squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to of." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to seen the man in the road." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening But Holmes shook his head gravely. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs instituted." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical detained." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you putting in the horse. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it of Fenchurch Street." "Breckinridge is his name." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Look there!" said he. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned it? Did I buy the geese off you?" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one know what is wrong with it.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country morning." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then case-book, which he consulted. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of third from London." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, you, my dear young lady?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Perhaps I have." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked dear old homesteads?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Ha! you find it so?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I was afraid that you were engaged." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran."