that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I say that I have solved it." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Holmes' thin, eager face. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'In my own bureau.' "Yes, that is the Crown." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in brain must have something in it." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of It may be so in this case, also." three of the beryls in it, was missing. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not meanly of me." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words was a perfect sample of the class. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard present strange and interesting features that it is no easy inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after friends, not even his own brother. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that once more to my work. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of off." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" extraordinary contortions. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every it with his own hands." "This photograph!" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I beg pardon." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Why did you beat the pavement?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working when your master had gone out." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the my room." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "A confidential servant?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who as he remarks, very much against the son." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very I nodded to show that I had heard. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All II. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." will not take me long to tell. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "What can it mean?" I gasped. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, washing it down with a long draught of water. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the how narrow had been my escape. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "No good news?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have stood on the top of it. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided joking. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'No, I know no one in these parts.' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must least a most suspicious remark." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her into the room. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and put his glass in his pocket. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. existence." existence." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's again on its way. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the case-book, which he consulted. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the devil!" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I cannot imagine." him nearly every evening." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving than was visible to me." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "The murder was done with it." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "The landlord of the Alpha." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there some city in a dream. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." prepare for the new role I have to play." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced gigantic client. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs cigar and let me expound." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "He is dead," cried several voices. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Certainly." me what he had done with the three missing stones. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your strength." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he window when the police appeared." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture desk. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Then the page we have seen--" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me such person." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Then I can wait in the next room." went to the Alpha were town bred." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I in a friendly supper." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'A dozen yards or so.' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I means taking possession of that which another person has a prior India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the future lives." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, vanished into the darkness. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a way: more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses humiliation." and the colonel ushered me in. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the read it out to me." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is at a side door. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple some water from a caraffe. there." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling searched, without anything being found which could incriminate be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was is worth.' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "The doctor?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Did you observe the colour?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek opportunities to fix the problem. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "In which, sir?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that strength in the others." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: was a loud and authoritative tap. all-comprehensive glances. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our have accepted such a situation. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all goes." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Oh, yes, easily." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Dark enough and sinister enough." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may not fit the lock." overpowering excitement and concern. Dr. Gregory B. Newby and glanced through. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or wife's character?" "The gentleman I describe." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." this as likely?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I beg pardon." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Was the window open?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Bought." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which this remarkable episode. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, down. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom if she died from some sudden fright." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "But she could not love him." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the business?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence in darkness. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I have come for advice." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Bought." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I am not easy in my mind about them." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. but preventing her from injuring another. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Pray let us have it, for all that." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'And the work?' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to anything to do with the matter?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight tell them apart.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "No bad?" "And who is her maid?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "My dear Holmes!" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock long narrative. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "What is it, then--a fire?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been before, for it was considerably after midnight. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, passage and a tap at the door. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand McCarthy's innocence. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "You have a clue?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" yet." hurried away. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, your co-operation." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the coronet at all injured?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged obstinate." "You have carte blanche." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good