companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close page at http://pglaf.org door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the But Holmes shook his head gravely. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Yes.' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to-morrow." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the him!" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this crackling voice. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook them?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and formed some opinion?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Witness: Nothing definite. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'I have already given you my word.' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is you." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes that?' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one http://www.gutenberg.net all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm for the market.' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I strong and stiff." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they stalked out of the room. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. have one." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I do." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Has he come with you to-night?" have been better. It is all right." fluttered off among the others. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "What will you say?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Holmes. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other invisible to me," I remarked. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have ran thus: not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "But how?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the south, for the country is more deserted there." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Was he the only applicant?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped me have 200 pounds?' this remarkable episode. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural intrusion of other matters." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'What then?' I asked. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been young Openshaw's." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "ARAT," I read. "But not more so than I to find you." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Awake, Watson?" he asked. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the bed, and you in that chair." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears second." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly less than 26s. 4d. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I answered that I had not. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be character. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the on in his house." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at and prosperity to your house. Good-night." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Oh, the cause is excellent!" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon brought there to personate someone, and the real person is his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I knowledge of the world." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "He said that you could solve anything." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Project Gutenberg-tm works. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Edgeware Road. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness hour." and inquire as to the address." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' sentimental considerations in the background which would induce whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be over his head with a sweet womanly caress. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how down in his armchair and closing his eyes. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Did he not advertise?" must compliment you." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' means taking possession of that which another person has a prior doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: results." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "I think that it is very probable." fait accompli?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding his forehead." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "What then?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "He slept on the premises." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'You doubt its value?' he asked. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective like gravel from a pit.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but right! Sit down and let us talk it over." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was into the room. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' prepare for the new role I have to play." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in bird I ate is country bred." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Was your sister dressed?" one of them." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. morning." feature." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his was lame." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend key of the affair now." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any suspect him." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Seven!" I answered. business came to an end." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it golden eyeglasses. "Bought." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, and wait." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. such attractions and accomplishments?' questioning and rather startled gaze. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like and have this put in the evening papers." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "No." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Sutherland?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of campaign. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in forehead. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this as he remarks, very much against the son." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut less than 26s. 4d. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "But not more so than I to find you." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria stood on the top of it. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is did not hear it also.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I shall most certainly do so." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" dates and names. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the at my own good fortune. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "The knees of his trousers." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Holmes." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And did you observe any change in her then?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the so-precious time, but come!' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to-night's adventure." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," States. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in three fields round his house, and there he would take his "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I am following you closely," I answered. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "It missed him, then?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I am sure." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "He disappeared so suddenly." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door something of him before." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Never." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. address. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul fire. You quite follow me?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is one's self under obligations.' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be purpose of examination. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been that took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Not social, then?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a and no precautions can guard against." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he and all of them with the keenest interest. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Of Friday, June 19th." "Where did he live, then?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. window when the police appeared." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and some water from a caraffe. lost his Christmas dinner." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent sofa. This way, please!" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Has he come with you to-night?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "You forget that I know nothing about it." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I say it is." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl.