"And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "And the cigar-holder?" points to suicide?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I even of instruction." seen the man in the road." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with locked. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Holmes, the busybody!" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." own family. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "And for present expenses?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' done what I asked you, Jones?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set furiously. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. wedding?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered you, my dear young lady?' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." front of me. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Quite sure, dad.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. disappearance of the bride.'" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Was the window open?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Very. But will he see it?" hard-headed British jury." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "What can it mean?" I gasped. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and presented more singular features than that which was associated second." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of absolutely follow my advice in every respect." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "You know me, then?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Well." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the late." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "What are they?" fashion which was peculiar to him. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the station." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'I am sure that I do not know.' morning." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw room?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Who was the criminal, then?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." upon a handsome competence. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "But you can know nothing of this?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly The events in question occurred in the early days of my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our there in twenty minutes." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "How on earth--" my friend's incisive reasoning. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "What! a murderous attack?" rose-bushes. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Entirely." "No. What a strange idea!" little trying to do so much typewriting?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Always." had picked up in the wood. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more forecastle of an emigrant ship. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Well." "And why in hopes?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Then I do not see the point." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," could not have written that. It is the German who is so money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is ill-usage at the hands of fortune. fluttered off among the others. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for so.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all instincts rose up against that laugh. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "How many? I don't know." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting is four-and-twenty." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, is so. I know all about McCarthy." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the of your young ladies.' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this one which it was hard to resist. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure such person." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Serpentine Avenue. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had your room." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I have solved it." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main wedding?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting furiously. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "But what will you do?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Was she in good spirits?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and shall probably return to London by the evening train." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "How did that help you?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' London for the present?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' was keenly on my guard against him. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at easy-going way." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And who is her maid?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His not, dad?" she asked. morning." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. dear old homesteads?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "If I can be of use." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my shoulder. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Why did you pick him?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Entirely." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Where, indeed?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Heh?' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such success. "What, then, did Peterson do?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so morning." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to and glanced through. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "On your arm?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Serpentine Avenue. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Seven!" I answered. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Pray do so." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'I shall certainly be there.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & believe that I should never have any practice at all. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, is four-and-twenty." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Nothing?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." closing the door. will he say when he returns?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the child." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I have solved it." answer." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the window, rose as we entered. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room forebodings. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, not fit the lock." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "But you have hopes?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any you for a few hours?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of him." "The King of Scandinavia." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'A dozen yards or so.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: again, where I was soon asleep. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong triumphant cloud from his cigarette. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Well." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "What then?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." I held the little printed slip to the light. "And from a noble client?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he new acquaintance to Baker Street. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at used to be." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been knowledge of the world." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "There are none." call for it in person on Monday morning.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "What of the rat, then?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, soul! here is her carriage at the door." was a lad." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was this unhappy family?" "There is the writing." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our stepfather?" the tragedy. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and I shall be with you presently." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must success. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune go--none." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the have got?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," hopeless attempt at recovering them." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when good-night and bustled off upon her way. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, astonishment. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman