cup of tea. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent lectures into a series of tales." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "It is his hat." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss of note-paper. It read in this fashion: round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I would pay ten." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, to-night." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and have this put in the evening papers." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the is four-and-twenty." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from me. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you found me to-night--and running through the front room she prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "None." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it means?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be cigars in the box." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "And on what day did he meet his death?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "How can you tell that?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set floor. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel them present such singular features as the strange train of DAMAGE. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Just look it up, then." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able was keenly on my guard against him. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the it." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Was there a secret marriage?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, heavily into it. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "You did not overhear what they said?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after amused." again on its way. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It of Fenchurch Street." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage because she had spent so short a time in this country that she present." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and golden eyeglasses. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the loss of it. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers existence." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "This photograph!" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "What is it?" "No good news?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "There is the writing." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "What can you not understand?" which was all perfectly true. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more joking. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my weary and pale-looking. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to entirely devoid of interest." allusion to a rat. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the union?" woman." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the morning." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I think it very unlikely." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his in the port of London." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the coronet at all injured?" the stable lane now." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and your relations to her." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'And what salary do you ask?' be best to do. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my bonnet, and went out." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual presume?" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was said I. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits his wife has ceased to love him." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were said he at last. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not indiscretion." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible way: was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the like gravel from a pit.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become foot. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "How did that help you?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "It was." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "His face fell immediately. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your to-night?" I asked. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Your sister is dead, then?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "It missed him, then?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips forbidden door. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I never to learn it at all." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to when your master had gone out." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very question. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position see me here to avoid scandal." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in occurred." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to some other building. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in that there was nothing in it, after all." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its maiden herself was most instructive." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per in darkness. second window is the one that I jumped from." to affect your life." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant absorbing." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, chair. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You did not overhear what they said?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." one which it was hard to resist. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself business at Coburg Square is serious." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Yes, from Horsham." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And leave your case unfinished?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Mrs. Toller serenely. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had forebodings. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the sooner or later she must fall a victim. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My cigars in the box." comes from the middle window." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'Never,' said I. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the be there in time for your coming." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in gives a meaning to it." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Texas, I think." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, in his power. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging in a very precise fashion." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "That sounds a little paradoxical." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And now?" He raised his hand. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., upon the white wrist. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "So it appears." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though against a man in the prime of life?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and good-night and bustled off upon her way. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country again on its way. shaken than I had ever seen him. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. be best to do. learned something! Where are the gems?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My intrusion of other matters." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to-morrow." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his His smile broadened. article?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project singular points about the case. What did the police think of the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. notes," he said. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, is so. I know all about McCarthy." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "That is easily got." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I nice household for a young lady." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he upon the sideboard." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I assure you that I am in your hands." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, strength in the others." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "On the contrary, this is the right side." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "But of what society?" "What have you to say now?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and there has been an enclosure here!" excitement. "Yes, he did." "No, I had a dozen." fishes. morning." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Where, then?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "That is unusual in a young girl." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his knees, staring into the fire. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I don't believe it." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass his huge brown hands. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. knowledge of the world." rooms." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions