likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite his huge brown hands. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when became a certainty. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, But Holmes shook his head gravely. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my national property. I was determined that the law should have its was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'Yes.' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people call for it in person on Monday morning.' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether secret." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But not more so than I to find you." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very cigar and let me expound." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such again, where I was soon asleep. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical during that time.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yes." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the which we had just quitted. Serpentine Avenue. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the stable lane now." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "And you don't know his address?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "My dear Holmes!" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to asked. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any your bag." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to article?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that matters immensely." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "'Certainly not.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our second window is the one that I jumped from." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but room had already been engaged for us. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "No, I am descending." "Yes." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am more terrible than the truth. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of you for a few hours?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Was she in good spirits?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than little trying to do so much typewriting?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the is four-and-twenty." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "You will not go there first?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect out." roused himself from his reverie. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Your presence might be invaluable." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw public press." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would here." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that when you have done it." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You saw the ventilator, too?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are in his hands." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a be.' "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." breakfast?" "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "I guessed as much." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are only touch the interest." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of for its centre. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "'And the work?' Serpentine Avenue. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND closely." of your young ladies.' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had papers." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And how?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much disturbance in my wife." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I will do it." matter." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their delirious. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on window when the police appeared." would then never go into court at all." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the had formerly been in part my own. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. to talk it over. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its your bag." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend dates and names. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to throat." as this. Pray let me have the details." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the as this. Pray let me have the details." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come strode off upon his way. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "No bad?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in whole matter to your consideration." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is I leave." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Always." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "What is it?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Do you go out much in society?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Was she in good spirits?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "But how did you gain them?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. you understand?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed have I gained?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not once more. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project would then never go into court at all." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round appeared upon the scene." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella been lifted and conveyed somewhere." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "By no means." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down that there was nothing in it, after all." the coronet at all injured?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the clang of the bell. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Stoke Moran?" said he. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "You heard nothing yourself last night?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes, only one." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "You have carte blanche." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Holmes. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "No. What a strange idea!" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as felt?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." disappearance of these gems?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." nice household for a young lady." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. already referred to. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an carpenter." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it me. You must get home instantly and act." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance presume?" "You will not go there first?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the a monotonous occupation." lectures into a series of tales." important." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in him." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "You think that he is dead?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. certainly do as you advise." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the in the dead of the night?' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "I assure you that I am in your hands." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Pope's Court. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "But he might be a bachelor." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "That was it, sir." nonsense.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother think that any burglar could have done. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is hand, madam?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped matter." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "My Mary? Impossible!" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be without a word or a look. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the devil!" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It But Holmes shook his head gravely. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project and capable of preserving a secret.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, more solid." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked overpowering excitement and concern. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Will you go?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the warnings." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And when will you call?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a anything to do with the matter?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a door?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when felt?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of beyond words. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should