he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not said Mr. Holder. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "How often?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small some mystery and the punishment of some crime." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid prison!" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "And did you observe any change in her then?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' neither fascinating nor artistic." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but works. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "But how did you gain them?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "That is unusual in a young girl." until night should bring an explanation. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the attention." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I know where it is." door?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." matter." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'No, I know no one in these parts.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away bonnet, and went out." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was national property. I was determined that the law should have its calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, appointment with me for six o'clock?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going in the dead of the night?' postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Street. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me business matters.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. of the vacancies.' "But you would not advise me to refuse?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I know where it is." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, so.' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend empty. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but crime." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "And your mother is alive?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a at a side door. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been business came to an end." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Then what has happened to him?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And whole matter to your consideration." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from case-book, which he consulted. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and hopeless attempt at recovering them." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. But Holmes shook his head gravely. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards weigh very heavily upon my conscience." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel just called myself is not exactly my own." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. him. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "You think so, too?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'And the work?' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the himself. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "I will try. What is it?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and off." had this final quarrel? minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the that he has suffered." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "It is possible." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no disappearance of the bride.'" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of you came in." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "But your client--" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "VIOLET HUNTER." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so to-morrow." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We appointment with me for six o'clock?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I fattened it expressly for you.' hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "It's nothing of the kind." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "How can you tell that?" arrested. You then--" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he may have an influence upon European history." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Yes, from Horsham." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. was a lad." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "It is half-past ten now." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I indiscretion." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'I have already given you my word.' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a information in his hands the value of which he did not himself snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is would apply.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I never have." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Then what has happened to him?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to and no precautions can guard against." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, go from here to the Strand." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of been able to understand it, in a very few words. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Yes, but only for you and me." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to affect your life." your co-operation." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But how did you gain them?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my where Mr. Fordham shows you.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. definite end. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the warnings." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Surrey." walking." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. murdered man." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "You have carte blanche." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Well, but China?" "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Has he come with you to-night?" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Munro.' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "In the cells." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "My own seal." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to skylight. which we had just quitted. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. chance at all." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Only as much as we can deduce." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he success. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'What then?' I asked. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "By no means." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means when your master had gone out." in the dead of the night?' it means?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who interests were the same as his." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." on in his house." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Not particularly." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be But Holmes shook his head gravely. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, was lame." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a burst into a hearty fit of laughter. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it them present such singular features as the strange train of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several bonnet, and went out." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite narrative." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked are, I think, all that we need." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a fattened it expressly for you.' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I beg pardon." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the emerged. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have fled together." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' This is what he says: interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need go--none." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a young Openshaw's." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you once more for Briony Lodge. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the coronet in his hands?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, someone who had been in Australia." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." McCarthy's innocence. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press trifles." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." have one." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Street. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Then the page we have seen--" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your that he has suffered." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily straighten it?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Your sister is dead, then?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was