commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "What then?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to danger is over." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, look dissatisfied." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards retorted upon me, and I on you." tightly behind him. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then fait accompli?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. residence of the great financier. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you in your example." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and put his glass in his pocket. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and test if we have an answer to our advertisement." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and bird I ate is country bred." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Bought." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a money should be paid at once.' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, again before evening." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "You forget that I know nothing about it." "It is possible." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "What?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to then?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." train.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what this poor creature." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. too. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Ample." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the undoubtedly my uncle's." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Mrs. Toller serenely. "Yes." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun night.' said he. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a long narrative. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great you for a few hours?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and I shall be with you presently." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Very much so." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most me. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards have accepted such a situation. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler begin with, and I had not got mine yet." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hair?' "And I." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an rooms." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, him and tried to hold him back. IS well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, key of the affair now." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Did he not advertise?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his where we are going." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide mystery!" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To my special province." "Your presence might be invaluable." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face IS London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Stoke Moran?" said he. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal was it brought him the coronet? lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to notes," he said. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Stolen." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. client, rising. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and capable of preserving a secret.' "Of Friday, June 19th." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to allusion to a rat. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'I shall certainly be there.' prison!" "The gentleman I describe." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I have a cab outside." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'About the same.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the charge against him will break down." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" walking." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Indeed! Whose, then?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I beg pardon." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again our word." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" strong reason behind." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger prison!" rose-bushes. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "How did he come?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire spark where all is dark to me." society." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the south-west, I see." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something answered with a sidelong glance. placed his cuttings. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the side-table." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Lestrade of Scotland Yard." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were go from here to the Strand." shoulder. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "My Mary? Impossible!" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Stoke Moran?" said he. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle this poor creature." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but learned something! Where are the gems?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "What can you not understand?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Have you it here?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "He said that you could solve anything." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Dr. Becher's." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his that?' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "There are none." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." you in your example." handed it to him. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Pray do so." "I think it very unlikely." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "But it has twice been burgled." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "But what will you do?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" and the whole place is in a blaze." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our ventilator." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel derbies." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Sutherland. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to his chemical studies. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the sooner or later she must fall a victim. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open hereditary King of Bohemia." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first with you?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this there when the Rucastles went away." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Entirely." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Thank you. Pray proceed." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Pray let us have it, for all that." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his clang of the bell. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in I nodded to show that I had heard. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since hour." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Yes, but only for you and me." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for not within a twentieth part of the market price." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the Assizes." learned something! Where are the gems?" she might be summoned. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was there!' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Come in!" said Holmes. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "And the cigar-holder?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Then how many are there?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door But Holmes shook his head gravely. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted my former friend and companion. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out went to the Alpha were town bred." "But you have hopes?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing detective. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as IS did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the John Swain, of St. Augustine. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have himself to hunt down. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by at once, for I have only half an hour." case before our client came into the room." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "But to whom?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "No, thank goodness, she did not." "'Never.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB quickly through a disagreeable task. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "His face fell immediately. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "How did that help you?" he. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the night.' said he. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful