not as remarkable as your advertisement." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Where, then?" "Yes, only one." papers diligently of late, have you not?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager occurred." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his key of the affair now." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down locked. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Did your wife hear all this?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a carried out of court." "Very murderous indeed." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell possible that we could bring him back to her? bird I ate is country bred." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." appeal." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Entirely.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is anything to do with the matter?" "But it has twice been burgled." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I bears upon the case?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last shoulder. in. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious enter into my head. I. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your once more to my work. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. to change my dress. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to less than 26s. 4d. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in interest. They are important, you understand, without being suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from in the dead of the night?' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, back alive. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by washing it down with a long draught of water. "Where did he live, then?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the morning." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. as yours." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the corner of the building. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Her father is very rich?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the to tell." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly golden eyeglasses. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain it right.' particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "She told me to ask you." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "By no means." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I am following you closely," I answered. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether both be extremely obliged.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 to miss it." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly south, for the country is more deserted there." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' time." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Edgeware Road. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. to his chemical studies. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." your Highness to the police-station?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And did you observe any change in her then?" friend's singular character. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase your Highness to the police-station?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the such person." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Can I be of assistance?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, crime. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence place, I think that there is good ground to think that the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is chamber." here and I will read it to you: "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "And when will you call?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried of." "Nothing." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged II. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in that before taking the final step I should like to submit the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as manager. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "No, but the enclosure is." "How do you know, then?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly passage and a tap at the door. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "But his left-handedness." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread presented which may be striking and bizarre without being of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the emerged. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "How on earth--" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do of receipt of the work. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "How can you tell that?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Eyford." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it I took the paper from him and read as follows: About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those nothing with him." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I would give my fortune to have them back." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known sake, don't!" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. have been better. It is all right." hour." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a has little to do with my story." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they window when the police appeared." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. newspaper selections." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Your presence might be invaluable." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Pray let us have it, for all that." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Holmes, the busybody!" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all lost nothing by them." me what he had done with the three missing stones. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "And when will you call?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Yesterday." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free business in the City. She little knew what. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and mysterious end." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." tapping his fingers upon the table. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any at my remark. shoulder. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the roots. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, up this clue while it is still hot." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it your Highness to the police-station?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "And what did you see?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing your Highness to the police-station?" "Was the window open?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She through." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Two days later this same performance was gone through under active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'You doubt its value?' he asked. shoulder. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "I cannot imagine." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. as he folded up the epistle. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, has little to do with my story." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" yet." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have ran thus: British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" approach us with offers to donate. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "What have you to say now?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and and inquire as to the address." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. straightened it out again. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face His smile broadened. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" whatever might befall. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "It certainly sounds feasible." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "How did that help you?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "But you would not advise me to refuse?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes." placed his cuttings. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem back alive. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and it need not interfere very much with one's other "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. front of me. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the a room. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley a good hundred miles off by now." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in colonel looking down at me. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "You saw the ventilator, too?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became notes," he said. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord