possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy colour had been driven from his face. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the at home. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from over part of the map. "What do you read?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, ceremony." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, pierced for earrings?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said them?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his how narrow had been my escape. It may be so in this case, also." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And sit in the dark?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Certainly." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and death." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an relation between them, and what the object of his repeated presume?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting conversation I have gathered that they have been married about nonsense.' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, see me here to avoid scandal." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "At half-wages, in fact." the stones. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done over part of the map. "What do you read?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "What have you to say now?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling them?" you in your example." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set posted to-day." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Do you receive much company?" he asked. strength in the others." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your golden eyeglasses. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble footfalls from the street. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Which are?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. investigation." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And leave your case unfinished?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his south, for the country is more deserted there." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the opened the door, and slipped through. "You horrify me!" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear before the coroner and the police-court." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by noise which awoke you from your sleep?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for returning from some small jollification and was making his way self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "It certainly sounds feasible." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double purpose equally well?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, footfalls from the street. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of cause to be." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was ordinary clothes on?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" article?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I seven miles from Eyford Station.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may seen the man in the road." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Did your wife hear all this?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Look there!" said he. that I can to serve you." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "If I can be of use." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "What do you make of that, Watson?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I have solved it." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and IS The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in rose-bushes. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I think it very unlikely." and no precautions can guard against." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. papers on the sundial.'" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Game for a morning drive?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared placed his cuttings. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who morning." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "But she could not love him." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "One of the highest in England." the address that was given us in the advertisement. humiliation." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." help us in this matter." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the both be extremely obliged.' likely to be some crony of the landlady's." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun From what you have told me I think that it is possible that however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "You will not go there first?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Arthur Conan Doyle done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had gigantic client. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely you for a few hours?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Eh? What was that?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end infinite languor in his face. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his 1.F. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "If so, much may have happened between." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "None." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project meant it for the best. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to discontent upon his features. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was envelope. the King without delay." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey a monotonous occupation." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "To an English lawyer named Norton." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Lee, in the county of Kent." "What will you do, then?" "Was the window open?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "ARAT," I read. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. suddenly upon us." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Holmes." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "And did you observe any change in her then?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been silent! Oh, he will be silent!' made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the in this way: Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and files of the old papers, following the future career of every returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my what these perils are?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the Red-headed League." "That's no good." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he you in yours." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that matters immensely." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Not social, then?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's that threaten you." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change fashion which was peculiar to him. "Yesterday." McCarthy's innocence. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate horse could go." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up fatally injured? owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his your equipment. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll as he folded up the epistle. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a from you?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of client, rising. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but straightened it out again. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." unclasping of his long thin hands. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to that I can to serve you." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa leaning back in his chair. outside." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small States. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Yes.' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "We must sit without light. He would see it through the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. chambers. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Yes." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "No, I think that I'll take it." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." DISSOLVED. in the hope of finding them." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "When did it break out?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his heavily into it. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain his cane at the bell-pull. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary points to suicide?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Yes, sir." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per help us in this matter." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to retorted upon me, and I on you."