the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; some water from a caraffe. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw observed. "Stolen." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six crime." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months searched, without anything being found which could incriminate can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the warnings." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town once more for Briony Lodge. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "The rest you will leave in our hands." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is plantation.' strength of mind to control. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story October 9, 1890. attention." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, not come at once?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Very. But will he see it?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Sutherland?" standing smiling on the door-step. "'Which dealer's?' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major at home. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was present." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are to tackle the facts." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "The murder was done with it." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that you." will take you up to see the machine.' "But how will you look?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the have had none more fantastic than this." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in entirely devoid of interest." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and looked back. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." to-night?" I asked. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" them?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "No, I had a dozen." morning." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of jewels which you have stolen?' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was respectable self." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Bought." "It's nothing of the kind." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for wedding?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "What, then?" "At half-wages, in fact." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "But he might be a bachelor." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "How can you tell that?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. status with the IRS. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "She told me to ask you." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Your French gold?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen interested in these little problems, and since you are good "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" have one." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I cannot tell." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a light and attacked it." the one as in the other." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether already referred to. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may important." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "What will you say?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Is he quiet?" Pope's Court. ran thus: "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and call for it in person on Monday morning.' swore that no one else had been in the front room during the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and main points of my analysis." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "No, but the enclosure is." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such his forehead." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his least a fellow-countryman. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Holmes' face clouded over. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give fashion which was peculiar to him. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements and effective." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I cannot imagine." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Entirely." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Not at all. I only doubt--' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a Foundation "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his was not a bird to be seen there. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to talk it over. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Whose house is it?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." at once, for I have only half an hour." "Yes, at the mines." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I do.' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective events, Mr. Windibank!" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I should wish to." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Yes, but only for you and me." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Count Von Kramm." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Yes, but only for you and me." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Pray be precise as to details," said he. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, crime. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It is possible." "It is very kind of you." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was matter over." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can your co-operation." interest. They are important, you understand, without being spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. dead, shall be safe with us." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was hopeless attempt at recovering them." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It strong and stiff." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their later, upon the night of May 2nd." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the south-west, I see." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "And you don't know his address?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of appointment with me for six o'clock?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. whereabouts. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect one or two very singular points about this room. For example, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense approach us with offers to donate. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was keenly on my guard against him. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" populous neighbourhood." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that because she had spent so short a time in this country that she point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for to-night's adventure." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "But how did you gain them?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the inquest, and which are worth considering." unprecedented a position." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." photograph?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be was a perfect sample of the class. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and over with notes and figures. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'Entirely.' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Sholtos." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." system of imprisonment?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'You cannot say what it was?' or in danger--" upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the States. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall been." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." sake, don't!" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. strode off upon his way. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom was used.' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., to Leatherhead. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Holmes." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that, and I came down." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "VIOLET HUNTER." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in a friendly supper." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like to have been novel and of interest." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "What! a murderous attack?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "No, I think that I'll take it." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would soul! here is her carriage at the door." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as trying to your nerves." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "A client, then?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "You don't mind breaking the law?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We you, my dear young lady?' "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds chance." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the inner apartment." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Eyford." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded of campaign. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid asked. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "But how?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Then he might have called to you?"