but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "And Irene Adler?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "By all means." "The vanishing of the lady." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed peculiar to him. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Was she in good spirits?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What office?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I am all attention, madam." his face. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out his grey eyes. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "I assure you that I am in your hands." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is mystery!" "No, but the enclosure is." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "The doctor?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water guilty parties." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her with some details as to your case." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a night.' said he. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Upon what point?" strode off upon his way. "But your client--" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Yes." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that a monotonous occupation." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "But she could not love him." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low society." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Yes, from Horsham." I was concerned in it." true." to some other building. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Entirely." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Henry Baker is a member." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I think it very unlikely." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much coroner's jury." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" relief. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside information in his hands the value of which he did not himself constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the child." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson back to my heart. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven awkward doing business with an alias." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." arrangements." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Which are?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your with frightened eyes at his accuser. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with impression behind it as though a window had gently closed said he. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I trying to your nerves." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on advice." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got highly," said Holmes. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On I took the paper from him and read as follows: flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the all?" which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood be. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past developed." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "One?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to me. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "And that is--" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Witness: Nothing definite. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Quite sure, dad.' his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with stepfather?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes go back?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "In San Francisco, a year ago." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which you, my dear young lady?' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned details should find their way into the papers. Inspector relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "No." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" corner of the building. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an until night should bring an explanation. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "No more words. Get out!" "None." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. without a word or a look. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, few hundred pounds.' locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had paper in the air. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "And it is--" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "No." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able bell. Holmes whistled. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I have seen the police." asked. three fields round his house, and there he would take his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Have you it here?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I clang of the bell. McCarthy." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But your client--" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was particular state visit http://pglaf.org which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining foresight and the moral retrogression?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Breckinridge is his name." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" my secret was safe in his possession. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "And how did you find out?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." me. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and infinite languor in his face. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to your Highness to the police-station?" "What! a murderous attack?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is seen the man in the road." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'And the work?' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers back alive. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of he bowed and left the room without another word. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes. He waved his hands." into the room. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in begun to whiten, even as mine has." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' his wife has ceased to love him." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming wife's character?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for digesting their breakfasts at home." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Eyford." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And leave your case unfinished?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "On Monday." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with ago." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman indeed which he could not unravel. "The rest you will leave in our hands." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'And the work?' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small how narrow had been my escape. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Eyford at 11:15.' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "When did it break out?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young ventilator." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a status with the IRS. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "But the mystery?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is me what he had done with the three missing stones. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the nursery. gbnewby@pglaf.org extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the it." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, three of the beryls in it, was missing. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "None." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel ago." placed his cuttings. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no not, dad?" she asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" away into the river." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "What are they?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven that threaten you." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little