"The rest you will leave in our hands." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of you give your casting vote to?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." comes from the middle window." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Nothing?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the than to us. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the him and tried to hold him back. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "They are typewritten," I remarked. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "What, then, did Peterson do?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "And how did he make his money?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little cup of tea. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the window, rose as we entered. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "How often?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "That's no good." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Ah!" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have it with his own hands." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "No, I think that I'll take it." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was in the dead of the night?' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to go into your room and bar your shutters?" other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Will you go?" possible that we could bring him back to her? first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. it with his own hands." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head to take care of herself." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Yes." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" wedding?" lamp in his hand. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "But I am all in the dark." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "What?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project questionable one." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored upon a handsome competence. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he respectable self." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with your co-operation." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong is so. I know all about McCarthy." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "What can you not understand?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a true." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered showing my impatience. quick march!" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, them, and came down just as you departed. "At half-wages, in fact." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "It is a murder, then?" are, and they are waiting for us." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble have an American origin." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "You have a clue?" in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "That is it on the dressing-table." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pierced for earrings?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." o'clock is it?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these so far?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'Where to?' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "It was an hour's good drive." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Where, indeed?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Pool. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "You think that he is dead?" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in looking up at the numbers of the houses." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is quite distinctive." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "None." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the south-west, I see." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: which it had come upon my father." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the stones. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my horse could go." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "My stepfather's business papers." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! been deceived." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced your most interesting statement." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his least a most suspicious remark." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, father's place of business?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of your young ladies.' "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." directly by questioning you." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Eyford." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'What, the red-headed man?' great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was shoulder. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Now, then, what's the last entry?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "What!" he roared. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. rooms." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, dates and names. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to disappearance of the bride.'" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "At half-wages, in fact." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the our word." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Never." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "What will you do, then?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate be sorry for having acted so harshly." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "And you don't know his address?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Not him." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Again Holmes raved in the air. "But to whom?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to surprise her." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and the whole place is in a blaze." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed never came back." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "One of his hands." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of shall not find me ungrateful." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too nonsense.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "But his left-handedness." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "But you have hopes?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered is," said he presently: "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be highly," said Holmes. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign any more." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my at a side door. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came morning." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "The Coroner: What do you mean? was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main of." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'I am sure if I had known--' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not felt?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "The gentleman I describe." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Yes. He waved his hands." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I will get her to show me." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "But what will you do?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. to have been novel and of interest." case before our client came into the room." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" footfalls from the street. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." depend upon your compliance." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "What shall I do?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight or other trace. But how on earth--" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer question. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "That's no good." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. should be taken.' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. hands. in the hope of finding them." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom success. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "The Cedars?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "The knees of his trousers." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, amused." "My private note-paper." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been kindly on the shoulder. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. do." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the child?' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too locked." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ