noise which awoke you from your sleep?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and touch that coronet?' back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its page at http://pglaf.org here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger will take you up to see the machine.' resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which three fields round his house, and there he would take his "BALLARAT." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." narrative." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call just ask you whether you had heard it.' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold bears upon the case?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "That you are never beaten." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the his huge brown hands. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "What will you say?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is even of instruction." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Nothing?" dead, shall be safe with us." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would 1.E.9. bare slabs of marble. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" cost them two and thirty pounds." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "He said too much." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a bell. Holmes whistled. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have established a very serious case against the son of the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Frequently." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" question," said Holmes, smiling. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Then what has happened to him?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little little adventures." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," http://gutenberg.net/license). him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "It's nothing of the kind." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time noting anything else of interest. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some crime. think you a quite exceptional woman." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business upon the shelf for the interim." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most yards of it?' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. have been better. It is all right." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Here?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when placed his cuttings. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." words came to my lips. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, This is what he says: after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each weapon." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the status with the IRS. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" tension within him. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "'There is a drive, then?' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Oh, no.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank imbecility!" he cried. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Precisely." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Bought." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "And who is her maid?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. matter." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I have not had my rubber." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told recall any case within my experience which looked at the first behind me. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "One of the highest in England." "And why?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "It is very kind of you." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "You have but to name it." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'It is locked up,' I answered. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. voice. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away quick march!" "'How far from the body?' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what that?' I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked matters immensely." the bottom.' "I have a cab outside." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "On your arm?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He future lives." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and him and tried to hold him back. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in case before our client came into the room." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and sneer upon his pale face. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. maid will bring up your coffee." upon a handsome competence. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been his huge brown hands. "What do you make of that, Watson?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." on re-entering her father's house?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "'Is purely nominal.' found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "So I am. Very much so." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to his chemical studies. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to clang of the bell. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" through." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend province." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small little adventures." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Was there a secret marriage?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the matter?" "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "How are you getting on?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. pound a week." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "It is true that I have been generally successful." have accepted such a situation. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I am all attention, madam." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Who was the criminal, then?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but a little more before I quite committed myself. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The assist you in forming an opinion." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There question. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the date of his supposed suicide." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "How did that help you?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Then, as to money?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given ago." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Holmes." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the inner apartment." "I do." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Ample." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Gutenberg-tm License. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to strong and stiff." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Why serious?" "'Ample.' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I do." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with very morning of my second wedding." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at weapon." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see II. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily tail." manager. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring empty. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem hardly wander." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, from the brougham. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what fait accompli?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to Leatherhead. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Stoke Moran?" said he. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "But you would not advise me to refuse?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast giving me time to thank him. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Literary Archive Foundation and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Then, how do you know?" gone. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." keep the flames under. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "No good news?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the to arrive at through this?" "Never." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a which we had just quitted. hands. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The case-book, which he consulted. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, sparkled upon his finger. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his was already answered. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could your only hope of safety." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I think that I had better go, Holmes." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "No." "'Yes, sir.' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior good for you to do.' mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It is his hat." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET at a side door. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable certainly do as you advise." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "You will not go there first?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yes." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't impression behind it as though a window had gently closed all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most