"Yes, all." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some his knees, staring into the fire. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "How many? I don't know." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. 'please.'" in one or two places in England?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Sutherland. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say papers must be those that are destroyed.' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "'And the work?' "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the words came to my lips. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, in one or two places in England?' asked with his eyes open. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Lee, in the county of Kent." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "The vanishing of the lady." was shining brightly. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Yes, he did." has little to do with my story." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "And what did you learn from him?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'I am sure that I do not know.' "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, of Fenchurch Street." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips nonsense.' piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the leaning back in his chair. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as had no one to advise her at such a crisis." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question helping a boy to put up the shutters. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "That sounds a little paradoxical." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'And the work?' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those photograph?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for nice household for a young lady." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug think you a quite exceptional woman." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, distinguish the words: he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Where does the thing come from?' brain must have something in it." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the armchair which I pushed forward for him. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. to tackle the facts." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, ready to-morrow?' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "But it has twice been burgled." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Your presence might be invaluable." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "At what time?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with that I am arrested." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Holmes. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fat-encircled eyes. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting awaited us upon the table. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I should wish to." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "That is possible." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "No sign of it?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Breckinridge is his name." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "By all means." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "My dear Holmes!" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." relief. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I there is a decided draught." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young during the last few years, and there are many noble families to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet him and tried to hold him back. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." do.' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done upon a handsome competence. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No, my brougham is waiting." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which details." you give your casting vote to?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all think that any burglar could have done. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the girl said." call you and give you the chance." "You horrify me." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up house for five minutes.' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in of them has the shutters up.' upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks narrative." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you what I may call a really hard day's work." IS "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "When did it break out?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "What, then?" within hail.' "And sit in the dark?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "How did that help you?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. status with the IRS. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must annoyance, but no jest. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of the way of danger. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue would then never go into court at all." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. highly," said Holmes. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in I took the paper from him and read as follows: and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in man. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of voice, changing her seat as requested. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Mrs. Toller serenely. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which had a long day." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless meant." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Yes, at the mines." the stable lane now." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." it." "'Then let me do so?' that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Pray continue your narrative." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "When did it break out?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the touch that coronet?' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'There is a drive, then?' astonishment. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows it with his own hands." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that The police have openly confessed that they can at present make I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much round and wave him away like that.' it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with man. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." not within a twentieth part of the market price." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in 1.F. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "No. His orders were to stay in the house." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It was an hour's good drive." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full carried out of court." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Entirely." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight writing, and yet I know it well." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "But he might be a bachelor." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "In San Francisco, a year ago." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed gives a meaning to it." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose several quiet little villages up there." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "She walked into the breakfast-room." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features guilty one." for and were ordered to this address. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "We were both in the photograph." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "And how in the world did you find them?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Clair, of Lee." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of residence of the great financier. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always hour?' Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that prison!" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so as noiselessly as she had come. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a