crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows exactly what you advise." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Perhaps I have." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "So I heard. You have him here?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "What have you to say now?" keep the flames under. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It certainly sounds feasible." sparkled upon his finger. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to-night?" I asked. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural letters?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, to-night?' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter asked. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Will you bet, then?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever secret." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley compunction about shooting them down." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper his wife has ceased to love him." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Really! You surprise me." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it which are rolled in Rotterdam." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. assist you in forming an opinion." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Could he throw no light?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Pool. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Not in a good cause." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "I am sure." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Will you go?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the whereabouts. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my horse could go." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on past. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be legal crime." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily child?' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "One of the highest in England." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Have you it here?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Doctor, of the paper and the date." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed whatever might befall. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Very. But will he see it?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "By train from Waterloo." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a handed it to him. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Very murderous indeed." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his papers must be those that are destroyed.' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "But what is it you wish?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Then what has happened to him?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two in your London, you will know that the office of the company is laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Again Holmes raved in the air. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you annoyance, but no jest. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. here." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "No, my brougham is waiting." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "This photograph!" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the address that was given us in the advertisement. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had window when the police appeared." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "How did that help you?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had fluttered off among the others. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said http://www.gutenberg.net to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "You have carte blanche." Mary, has deserted me." him, that man would not have given me such complete information sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of ourselves in the office." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two chill to my heart. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the prison!" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds waste of energy." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Thank you. And your address?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the salesman. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the washing it down with a long draught of water. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door chance at all." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There ways of our fellow-men." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "But it has twice been burgled." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "What! a murderous attack?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am other lovers by making love himself." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. do you make of it all?" "I guessed as much." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your your bag." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "But she could not love him." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" McCarthy's innocence. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be heavy and sharp instrument." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own to arrive at through this?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding of." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the clanging. delirious. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Street. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just brain must have something in it." "Where, indeed?" "What then?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had pressing in one house as in another. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the questionable one." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, as the one I chose?' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. system of imprisonment?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had his cane at the bell-pull. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. locked. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and inquire as to the address." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this tension within him. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, young Openshaw's." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's was feeling which was the fattest.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Come in!" said he. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they all-comprehensive glances. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "That is unusual in a young girl." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement me. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But how will you look?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "How on earth--" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, this unhappy family?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the once more for Briony Lodge. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last cup of tea. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing are windows in it, of course?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." she might be summoned. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen opened the door, and slipped through. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough hurried by. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." posted to-day." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which shadow pass over his face as I spoke. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the at my remark. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for is," said he presently: number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any throat." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is not personally threatened." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "The doctor?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my to-morrow." your sleep?' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the roots. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the