"Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' experiences." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "By train from Waterloo." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "An enemy?" "Deserted you?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend strange features which were associated with the two crimes which without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with said I. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the bottom.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Doctor, of the paper and the date." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the his face which made him a very different person to the round, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "You saw the ventilator, too?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "And leave your case unfinished?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "How do you know, then?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, will be renamed. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I married her." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "What have you to say now?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "They are typewritten," I remarked. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the footfalls from the street. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to was lame." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Foundation his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked I was concerned in it." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your with frightened eyes at his accuser. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates girl said." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I nodded again. will he say when he returns?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "And why in hopes?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of it with the greatest attention. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up strength in the others." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can their singular warning or token before them when starting upon something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her instincts rose up against that laugh. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies your bag." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "What will you say?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, never came back." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every do.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was late." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father visitors." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yesterday." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood fuss that is made over them." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and emerged. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "He is dead," cried several voices. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "I will do it." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. foresight and the moral retrogression?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other me. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate union?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "And leave your case unfinished?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter companion imperturbably. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with charged with?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "One of his hands." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Which are?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I is worth.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does the armchair which I pushed forward for him. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had have one." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil again, where I was soon asleep. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. carpenter." to his chemical studies. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "My private note-paper." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." had formerly been in part my own. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this address. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a about. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any telegram would bring me down to your help." of a light. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "The knees of his trousers." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the general public were present, then?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which you found me to-night--and running through the front room she business in the City. She little knew what. your Highness to the police-station?" "Has he come with you to-night?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal dramatic, in fact." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "I guessed as much." "I have hopes." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "That is also quite modern," said the lady. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the was it brought him the coronet? of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and again on its way. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid a room. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Yes. He waved his hands." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their certainly do as you advise." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to drove away. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the room while you explain this matter?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De already referred to. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love enough to aid us in our search." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls of them has the shutters up.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." the stones. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into II. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." DISSOLVED. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "How many? I don't know." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. place of silver." "One of his hands." against a man in the prime of life?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Very much so." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the manager. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the child." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special the morning and make my own way in the world.' "And what did you learn from him?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." few hundred pounds.' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Yes." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY other means.' "I fear not." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I about here speaks of his kindness to him." and the whole place is in a blaze." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a bare slabs of marble. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a crime. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'Which dealer's?' stalked out of the room. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined in this way: gone before you can get him to hospital." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his relief. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. go from here to the Strand." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Thank you. And your address?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sooner or later she must fall a victim. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "And how did he make his money?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her system of imprisonment?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and absorbing." to his chemical studies. "VIOLET HUNTER." she used." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall that I can to serve you." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have established a very serious case against the son of the photograph?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Stolen, then." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. electronic works homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient drawing your inferences." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Quite so." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of was used.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the papers must be those that are destroyed.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." one which it was hard to resist. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "There is the writing." Countess of Morcar's?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who head. So long, then!" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. chamber." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch to-night." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get public press." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of observed. direction." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look you." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some without success. At last the little money which I had saved began step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." flock.' cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly him." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I new acquaintance to Baker Street. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "What then?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE at my own good fortune. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" foot. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the question. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." three of the beryls in it, was missing. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in go back?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any even so self-evident a thing as that." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. again." about. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be with some details as to your case." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He during that time.' had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "No good news?" Again Holmes raved in the air. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Not I." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "You have carte blanche." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the thought that she would have been so carried away." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Just look it up, then." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I shall be delighted." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "'Yes, sir.' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I