to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive closely." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten which it had come upon my father." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the coronet at all injured?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Then, how do you know?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have of." assist you in forming an opinion." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the roused himself from his reverie. affair. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." in darkness. "Yes, sir." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "One horse?" interjected Holmes. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that know what is wrong with it.' customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." less than 26s. 4d. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler ran thus: dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. might have a private word with us. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to vanished into the darkness. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest business." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower before the coroner and the police-court." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in forecastle of an emigrant ship. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a about. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "And is that all?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the system of imprisonment?" straightened it out again. "It is possible." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." crackling voice. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the was a lad." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "But you can know nothing of this?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had answered with a sidelong glance. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "No, I had a dozen." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over grasp, he hurried from the room. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always obstinate." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "And for present expenses?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "But she could not love him." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a might have a private word with us. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on galvanised. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might in the dead of the night?' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who carriage. It was a chestnut." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late is now desirous of getting those letters back." hurried away. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a spare." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever notes," he said. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. not within a twentieth part of the market price." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley upon the white wrist. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying The events in question occurred in the early days of my me. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." she to prove their authenticity?" tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "No, my brougham is waiting." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." only touch the interest." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "And you thought he was pulled back?" Edgeware Road. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was not, dad?" she asked. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "But how?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the matter?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay easy-going way." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to as noiselessly as she had come. I nodded again. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive disappearance of the bride.'" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "That's no good." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps you give your casting vote to?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "And I." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you observed. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well residence of the great financier. the ceiling. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the bottom.' as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and little trying to do so much typewriting?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and so far?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord do.' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Holmes' room. you want, then?' License. You must require such a user to return or absolutely follow my advice in every respect." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the happened." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Nearly eleven." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that spark where all is dark to me." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my call the police, let the police find what they can.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being of campaign. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' three fields round his house, and there he would take his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I am sure." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest ready to-morrow?' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of row." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other distinguish the words: astonishment. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "None." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I appointment with me for six o'clock?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his helping a boy to put up the shutters. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from cigars in their mouths. his forehead." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. some terrible trap for her." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that ourselves in the office." look upon these things in a different way." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Where is it, then?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Yes." the night.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "What will you do, then?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP threw himself down with his face to the pillow. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Yes." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "It looks newer than the other things?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I keep the flames under. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Yes, only one." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of DISSOLVED. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers something of him before." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "What is it?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be already been minutely examined." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. one else, I think." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke morning." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but affair. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he recover the gem." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "But what is it you wish?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, one which it was hard to resist. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond excitement. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters them?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the some city in a dream. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a been." leave you to your papers for a little." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, certainly do as you advise." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "You have but to name it." "I cannot as yet see any connection." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed correct than the official force." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can drawing your inferences." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. brain must have something in it." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the side-table." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Have you her photograph?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "And now?" He raised his hand. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. this unhappy family?" "Did you become engaged then?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Doctor, of the paper and the date." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly been lifted and conveyed somewhere." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and of the vacancies.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. that?' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "So it appears." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "And for present expenses?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "But to whom?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern,