could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Have you good authority for what you say?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert other, as fresh and trim as possible. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the returning from some small jollification and was making his way could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Where does the thing come from?' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Is he quiet?" know that the truth is known." "The gentleman I describe." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Nothing?" to-night's adventure." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I to that open window." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "And I." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was bearing upon the case." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. him." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used spark where all is dark to me." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check rat could hardly pass through." "In which, sir?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Lee, in the county of Kent." Chief Executive and Director prisoner's face. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after points to suicide?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the one's self under obligations.' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of in a friendly supper." "And sit in the dark?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "It certainly sounds feasible." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." or in danger--" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." which our visitor detailed to us. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous entirely devoid of interest." bled considerably." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots me upon any point which I do not make clear." extraordinary contortions. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "No good news?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "The knees of his trousers." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes than to us. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Yes, the wine-cellar." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Again Holmes raved in the air. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so could gather together that I was able to avert another public cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and looked back. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not humiliation." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "And leave your case unfinished?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "When did it break out?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the with you alone." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I chambers. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the one else, I think." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "I will not look." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, drawing your inferences." which was all perfectly true. strode off upon his way. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Won't it ring?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "My dear Holmes!" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Yes." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may made his money." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification death." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I strength in the others." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "No, my brougham is waiting." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Witness: Nothing definite. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." to tell." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'I am sure that I do not know.' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the stones. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the door?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Whose house is it?" rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a certainly not very gracious." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Then, how do you know?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own neither fascinating nor artistic." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I saw her in conversation with her maid." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your entirely lost his self-respect." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes at my remark. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I will not look." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort chamber." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'I am sure if I had known--' the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him I. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'About the same.' "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a married her." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. his forehead." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." sneer upon his pale face. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then the page we have seen--" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the existence." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no which we had just quitted. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, think you a quite exceptional woman." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the sake, don't!" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Very much so." "But how did you gain them?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "It came here." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the stable lane now." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Certainly, madam." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I am to be neutral?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You don't mind breaking the law?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building to you." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a walking." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. way in." gone. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great interested in these little problems, and since you are good the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but jewels which you have stolen?' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. and capable of preserving a secret.' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "He is dead," cried several voices. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the night.' back to my heart. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a entirely devoid of interest." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism stalked out of the room. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and glanced through. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! have had none more fantastic than this." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had strength of mind to control. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "And that is--" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are purpose of examination. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned our word." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "May I see it?" fear." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet about here speaks of his kindness to him." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a with some details as to your case." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "My photograph." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the I have it here in my museum." case-book, which he consulted. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has place no limit on the sum I may draw." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's least a fellow-countryman. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he make me his representative both with the servants and with the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, him, that man would not have given me such complete information long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to where he stood hid behind the curtain. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Your French gold?" His name is Francis Prosper." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Sholtos." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the stones. bearing upon the case." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point over here." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But he might be a bachelor." "Come in!" said Holmes. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere