was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and careless servant girl?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are chambers. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned know that the truth is known." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could already been minutely examined." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "What! Had he lost his wife?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Farm upon the left." "Come in!" said Holmes. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Henry Baker is a member." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to you." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "By train from Waterloo." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since of the efforts of the United States government and of the better sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. me where it went to?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I would pay ten." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Yes, at the mines." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Where, then, is my wife?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in matters immensely." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, on in his house." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." hand, madam?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are cost them two and thirty pounds." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting shoulder. "'It is locked up,' I answered. instituted." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I cannot think." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from ready to-morrow?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I himself to hunt down. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Literary Archive Foundation "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the your co-operation." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after from you?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he trying to your nerves." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I have established a very serious case against the son of the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "No, thank goodness, she did not." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." hardly wander." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he an introduction to him?" alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Then how many are there?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Your French gold?" be there in time for your coming." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Never to return." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom mystery." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Well." writer." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant yards of it?' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait searched, without anything being found which could incriminate not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, existence." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous your troubles." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and him and tried to hold him back. people don't know." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" quickly through a disagreeable task. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "I don't say that. Perhaps." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "By all means." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been forecastle of an emigrant ship. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an was used.' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which politicians who had been sent down from the North. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Which surely he restored to their owner?" arrested. You then--" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Pope's Court. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, companion imperturbably. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the little opening for the ventilator is." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes, but only for you and me." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "About a month then." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out something of him before." key turn in the lock." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what of fine shops and stately business premises that they really everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "How about poison?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was again before evening." "A call for help, you thought?" she used." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'In my own bureau.' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of chance." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I will try. What is it?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "How did that help you?" constraint." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered three of the beryls in it, was missing. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed read it out to me." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "That is possible." to tell." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "How on earth--" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "So it appears." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "I fear not." your equipment. examine." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Witness: Nothing definite. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to-morrow." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for DISSOLVED. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'You doubt its value?' he asked. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it bare slabs of marble. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had some mystery and the punishment of some crime." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "So I have heard." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the showing my impatience. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new directors, with the result that you have seen." "They are typewritten," I remarked. companion quietly. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet companion. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, chance." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Can I be of assistance?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were round and wave him away like that.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Perhaps we may make them less so." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached wedding?" she to prove their authenticity?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "How do you know, then?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was already answered. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the all that?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the station." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his your most interesting statement." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "It is his hat." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." that there was nothing in it, after all." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey weapon." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I have hopes." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Watson," he said cordially. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of thin legs towards the fire. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Never." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Very truly yours, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Because he was handy and would come cheap." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." within hail.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan people in all walks of life. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more if only as a check to my own memory." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, bachelor.' "Oh, yes, easily." dear old homesteads?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Did he not advertise?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "It surprised me." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." voice, changing her seat as requested. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my observed. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the outsides of the windows. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I dead, shall be safe with us." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see it." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "The King of Scandinavia." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in