"'You doubt its value?' he asked. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." confronted him. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put which was all perfectly true. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax I shall communicate with you." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow just called myself is not exactly my own." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and nonsense.' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, But Holmes shook his head gravely. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Surrey." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, yards of it?' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the room while you explain this matter?" tell them apart.' make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I will not look." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun rose-bushes. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much charged with?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official have not had my rubber." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Certainly, madam." 11:15.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said directors have had misgivings upon the subject." absorbing." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of could go. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, to talk it over. seven miles from Eyford Station.' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I cannot say that I have." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical you in yours." upon the sideboard." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the bed, and you in that chair." and the colonel ushered me in. "Tired-looking or fresh?" telegram would bring me down to your help." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She strange features which were associated with the two crimes which following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through congenial hunt. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Not particularly." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come empty. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Imitated." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a became a certainty. such person." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Pope's Court. in him." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Game for a morning drive?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering companion. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I round with crates and massive boxes. was already answered. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and people don't know." south, for the country is more deserted there." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing me what he had done with the three missing stones. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" better in every way that they should make their position a little possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Stolen!' he cried. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Deserted you?" go--none." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents you do it in twenty minutes!' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a may have an influence upon European history." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be o'clock is it?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I about. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in him." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the matter?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering fatally injured? her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as papers on the sundial.'" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a placed his cuttings. happened." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress business in the City. She little knew what. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." answered with a sidelong glance. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small our word." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for written, and locked the door of the office after me. closely." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "It missed him, then?" your own bird, so if you wish--" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'You cannot say what it was?' When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third electronic works the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings giving me time to thank him. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of what do you think they found in the pockets?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how that I can to serve you." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "And you thought he was pulled back?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Yes, it would be as well." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw man. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Not him." crackling voice. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his I shall continue with my miserable story. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and digesting their breakfasts at home." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Here?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in if I call to-morrow?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' open." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the away into the river." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than 1.E.9. looking up at the numbers of the houses." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but showing my impatience. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm call you and give you the chance." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "A thing like a cleaver," said he. that threaten you." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their disappearance of these gems?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate present." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "When did she vanish, then?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It may not come to that," said Holmes. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Dark enough and sinister enough." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Bought." chambers. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we cigars in their mouths. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us if only as a check to my own memory." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' to-night's adventure." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." disturbance in my wife." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, writers could invent nothing more crude." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Oh, yes, easily." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Really! You surprise me." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the where we are going." behind me. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and following enigmatical notices: "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "But how?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want how narrow had been my escape. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." vault. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms for the market.' "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the driver. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You have a clue?" British peeress.'" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "My own seal." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard to have that photograph." details." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "But of what society?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me miles off. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on me what he had done with the three missing stones. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "No, I think that I'll take it." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." the south-west, I see." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Witness: Nothing definite. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "And you can do nothing until then?" character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. there." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It