my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say beg that you will break it off." "'Yes, I promise.' right! Sit down and let us talk it over." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of this gang." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "And now?" He raised his hand. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence character. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, upon a handsome competence. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a one which it was hard to resist. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" these bleak autumnal evenings." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of excitement. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and standing smiling on the door-step. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a breakfast." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass ashen face. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just heavy and sharp instrument." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Clair, of Lee." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, criminal. We have already had experience of such." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "But how did you gain them?" grasp, he hurried from the room. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the dangers which encompass me." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'What do you call purely nominal?' "It is a murder, then?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Eyford." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has singular points about the case. What did the police think of the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be said I. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up shaken than I had ever seen him. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Could he throw no light?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a already been minutely examined." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. neither fascinating nor artistic." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and up this clue while it is still hot." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If present." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the strength of mind to control. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the on re-entering her father's house?" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square goes." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. photograph?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "What!" he roared. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear him to be an active member of the medical profession." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'How far from the body?' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened than was visible to me." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith any more." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in only touch the interest." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases she used." posted to-day." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my villagers almost as much as their master. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been narrative." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "But you would not advise me to refuse?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Who by?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "You know me, then?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney said he. despair." amused." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even following enigmatical notices: one of them." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that entirely lost his self-respect." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people him nearly every evening." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I have hopes." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, certainly do as you advise." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Yes, that is the Crown." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "But not more so than I to find you." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'And the work?' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'Stolen!' he cried. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it During two years I have had three consultations and one small building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Heh?' weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I think it very unlikely." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "In what way?" asked Holmes. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "What can you not understand?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim name is different." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" business at Coburg Square is serious." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to desk. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble respectable self." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Well, some hundreds of times." "How often?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "BALLARAT." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." your bag." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." other, as fresh and trim as possible. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the or other trace. But how on earth--" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change once more for Briony Lodge. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I golden eyeglasses. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Holmes' room. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll visitors." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "By train from Waterloo." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person if she died from some sudden fright." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the in one or two places in England?' cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to skylight. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'Very good.' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "The landlord of the Alpha." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Did your wife hear all this?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Street. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than individual and becomes the badge of a society." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at to have that photograph." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Not social, then?" south, for the country is more deserted there." power." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been would then never go into court at all." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three cup of tea. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he heavily into it. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. knowledge of the world." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed you?' glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not murdered man." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Why did you pick him?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he corner of the building. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I guilty parties." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "But who is he?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in think that any burglar could have done. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "And your mother is alive?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Stolen, then." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that answer." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and all of them with the keenest interest. "Pray let us have it, for all that." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I say that I have solved it." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I may never be exposed to such a temptation." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence sofa. This way, please!" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace me where it went to?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the coronet in his hands?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King with frightened eyes at his accuser. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. him to go away.' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "But we can't all be." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but congratulate you again." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case you want, then?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I be sorry for having acted so harshly." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." humiliation." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch over with notes and figures. "And you can do nothing until then?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was feeling which was the fattest.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I back alive. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'And what salary do you ask?' "Yes." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "What then?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the one which it was hard to resist. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "His face fell immediately. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, which we had just quitted. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said never came back." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'Most admirably.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor.