lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry fat-encircled eyes. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little you." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you on in his house." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Murdered?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you was it brought him the coronet? dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that foresight and the moral retrogression?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the possible that we could bring him back to her? permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "BALLARAT." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for had picked up in the wood. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest always that they were such commands as a lady might with who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the to surprise her." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a better in every way that they should make their position a little wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "And you can do nothing until then?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding some city in a dream. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Literary Archive Foundation Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. chill to my heart. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lips." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "What are they?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this papers." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I and all of them with the keenest interest. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." despair." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back have got?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until shoulder. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of shadow pass over his face as I spoke. of the way of danger. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained other lovers by making love himself." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "What then?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, sneer upon his pale face. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best and laid it on the table. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very problems help me to do so." footfalls from the street. "Yes." be best to do. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Yes, it would be as well." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this was once confined in the cab my mission was practically 11:15.' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the friends, not even his own brother. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Holmes." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as done what I asked you, Jones?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you had this final quarrel? with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." are, and they are waiting for us." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into your most interesting statement." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged seen the man in the road." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I point in the dark hollow of his hand. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out down in his armchair and closing his eyes. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Certainly,' I answered. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with disappearance of the bride.'" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the head. So long, then!" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who unclasping of his long thin hands. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Munro.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we his huge brown hands. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "No?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "You know me, then?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now there was no need for father to know." is so. I know all about McCarthy." one's self under obligations.' terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the child?' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so discontent upon his features. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Will you go?" were unconscious?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce status with the IRS. "Seven!" I answered. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips taking in every detail of the apartment. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and unkempt, staring out at me. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Certainly not. But why?' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with upon an income of about 60 pounds." tear off another piece?' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have your billet.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Yes, it was twisted." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of signal between you and your father? for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." you came in." allusion to a rat. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." might help us?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the do you make of it all?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "What then?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Seven!" I answered. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some quickly through a disagreeable task. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I think that I had better go, Holmes." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "None. Neville wrote those words." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come stammered. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and strength." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know think that he is innocent?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' better grown goose." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, very old mansion. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "That is it on the dressing-table." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Precisely." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "No good news?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "I fear not." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project was feeling which was the fattest.' photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, my secret was safe in his possession. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of them has the shutters up.' does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to some other building. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being His smile broadened. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of chill to my heart. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Then the page we have seen--" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, works. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE written, and locked the door of the office after me. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded which I could not give. He asked for Alice. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, in this note: down in his armchair and closing his eyes. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Why, it's a dummy," said he. plantation.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past page at http://pglaf.org "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock back alive. and the colonel ushered me in. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend for securing the situation." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Thank you. And your address?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "They are typewritten," I remarked. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. and wait." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of peculiar to him. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The there has been an enclosure here!" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the delirious. mystery!" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. future lives." "Then I shall certainly come." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it introspective fashion. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your of the vacancies.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "My last client of the sort was a king." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself seen the man in the road." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or served to weaken the effect. "The doctor?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., asked with his eyes open. "It missed him, then?" "If so, much may have happened between." indeed which he could not unravel. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, present." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." them present such singular features as the strange train of "Stolen." security.' darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Yes, but only for you and me." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Quite so." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a of a light. "Yes, but only for you and me." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not nothing of it?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the one as in the other." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most