details." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that long narrative. "The rest you will leave in our hands." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." mysterious business." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Texas, I think." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double upon the sideboard." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked to tell." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a soul! here is her carriage at the door." he died? during the last few years, and there are many noble families to St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him how narrow had been my escape. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Dirty?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting there!' "Whose house is it?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be come either from the window or the door. My attention was Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm there has been an enclosure here!" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I shall most certainly do so." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out note?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What steps will you take?" I asked. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped lectures into a series of tales." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all delighted to hear it," he said. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. coat-tails." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as once more on the important position which you have been fortunate of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the union?" "No." beg that you will break it off." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I was afraid that you were engaged." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how of Fenchurch Street." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Perhaps I have." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found away into the river." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an several quiet little villages up there." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his south, for the country is more deserted there." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a look upon these things in a different way." is four-and-twenty." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a in this way: "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate never came back." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing three of the beryls in it, was missing. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which in. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, there was no need for father to know." "We were both in the photograph." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a this as likely?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, if I call to-morrow?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced colour had been driven from his face. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "That is unusual in a young girl." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the key turn in the lock." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and arrested. You then--" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we if she died from some sudden fright." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be at home. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did I think that I could be of assistance to you." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey crowd. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his girl said." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you walking." "Pray let us have it, for all that." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Why, what do you mean?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "One?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Lestrade of Scotland Yard." people in all walks of life. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where seven miles from Eyford Station.' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred chill to my heart. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in him. the coronet at all injured?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which pictures, libraries, or plate. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of receipt of the work. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "May I see it?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this once more to my work. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a tail." "What then?" mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes discontent upon his features. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a again on its way. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man read it out to me." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I will, Miss Turner." you came in." III. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "But how?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came outside." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "No bad?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." excitement. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish indiscretion." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'Why that?' I asks. gentleman's clothes. has little to do with my story." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "What have you done?" asked Holmes. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover until night should bring an explanation. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed least a most suspicious remark." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Ah, but I was recommended to you." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Where is it, then?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez straighten it?" eavesdroppers?' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Not in a good cause." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted have not had my rubber." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism emerged. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "That's no good." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "But I have heard all that you have heard." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was You want to know what became of those geese?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other you." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some pressing in one house as in another. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that bachelor.' "No more words. Get out!" grasp, he hurried from the room. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Young McCarthy must be got off, however." was used.' lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Whose house is it?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Not yet." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke purpose of examination. at my own good fortune. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great British peeress.'" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant other, as fresh and trim as possible. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in lips." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. ran thus: play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'A dozen yards or so.' ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is house for five minutes.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and a shock of very red hair. prison!" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all over part of the map. "What do you read?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "That is unusual in a young girl." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "And your father? Did you tell him?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the bottom.' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might weapon." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "He is dead," cried several voices. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain I shall communicate with you." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could vault. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of nonsense.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I think that I could be of assistance to you." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "My photograph." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. village inn over there?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose chance at all." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from frequently gained my first real insight into the character of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I cannot tell." my former friend and companion. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling during the last few years, and there are many noble families to constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no hour?' "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "What! Had he lost his wife?" a very grave face. keep the flames under. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I see many objections to any such theory." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "No, I think that I'll take it." "Not particularly." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, affair. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found wedding?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Your presence might be invaluable." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the