probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press murdered man." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less he died? felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not minor matters until to-morrow." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but both be extremely obliged.' surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be character. his huge brown hands. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Tired-looking or fresh?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Yes, sir.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Yes." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler hereditary King of Bohemia." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was thin legs towards the fire. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "What steps will you take?" I asked. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other 1.E.9. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern future lives." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Heh?' a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be conversation I have gathered that they have been married about open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are disappearance of the bride.'" hands. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give occurred." McCarthy's innocence. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Never to return." careless servant girl?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "But how?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no said I. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in works. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small call you and give you the chance." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful because she had spent so short a time in this country that she stammered. newspaper selections." "How did you deduce the select?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "'Yes.' "'Ample.' washing it down with a long draught of water. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. depend upon your compliance." lectures into a series of tales." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I believe that I should never have any practice at all. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it pound a week." shoulder. "No." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your one which it was hard to resist. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the fattened it expressly for you.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in bell. Holmes whistled. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would me have 200 pounds?' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the to tell." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Yes." "And why?" "But of what society?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I residence of the great financier. out of this horrible affair." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save secret." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my said he, "my real name is James Ryder." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away you?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "What will you say?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with must be when I saw the door open.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and my former friend and companion. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have handed it to him. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow to-night?' stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "What! You do not mean bodies?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the infinite languor in his face. will he say when he returns?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "BALLARAT." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you may never be exposed to such a temptation." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "No good news?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the it." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he vague figure huddled up in the darkness. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your direction." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'What do you call purely nominal?' can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did for its centre. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have awaited us upon the table. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming possible that we could bring him back to her? lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes, sir." bedroom door." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have papers." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in. "Ten will be early enough." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven which was all perfectly true. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. discontent upon his features. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "In which, sir?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the definite end. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which system of imprisonment?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, business in the City. She little knew what. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey think that he is innocent?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded coat-tails." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, shoulder; "he's all right." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We happened." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I know where it is." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "And you thought he was pulled back?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I promise," said Holmes. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds emerged. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I see no marks." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions chill to my heart. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Whose house is it?" your co-operation." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I strength of mind to control. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business sofa. This way, please!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we chill to my heart. "Not social, then?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by meant it for the best. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting felt?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "And what did you learn from him?" said he. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the devil!" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come his wife has ceased to love him." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Sutherland. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she sit on the left-hand side of the driver." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was have not had my rubber." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Oh, yes, easily." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely instincts rose up against that laugh. on in his house." have I gained?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile guilty parties." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until McCarthy's innocence. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you weighed down with some great anxiety. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I that?' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes get the tickets." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what felt?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "How did you trace it, then?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Yes, but only for you and me." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander to a light-house. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "You horrify me!" round and wave him away like that.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on meant." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "But your client--" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, green of the new foliage. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Doctor, of the paper and the date." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest a suggestive one." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "This photograph!" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." fait accompli?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I