which was all perfectly true. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "If I can be of use." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "ARAT," I read. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Yes." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "He might." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be case before our client came into the room." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "A confidential servant?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the away to you." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Munro.' than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'Never.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a bears upon the case?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "And how in the world did you find them?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from advice." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. these bleak autumnal evenings." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his woman who has had her own way to make in the world. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the seem to you to be relevant or not." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "We must have a cab." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a round and wave him away like that.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Street. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London to me. all?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" away to you." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by yourselves in at night?" "What will you say?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, it is a possible supposition." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' of the vacancies.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Yes, there are nearly always some there." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Where to?" happened." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Frequently." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you of the vacancies.' exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm at home. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not village inn over there?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the writers could invent nothing more crude." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I think that it is very probable." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. outbreak?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "But how did you gain them?" any more." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and attention." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate cheerful." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I think it very unlikely." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger status with the IRS. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Pray let us have it, for all that." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange if only as a check to my own memory." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "But I have heard all that you have heard." do.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic be.' "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." might help us?" my secret was safe in his possession. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were away in different directions, and I went off to make my own (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Oh, the cause is excellent!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "At the wedding breakfast." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "No. What a strange idea!" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is congenial hunt. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin three fields round his house, and there he would take his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a me where it went to?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper disappearance of these gems?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this cup of tea. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience get her out of the way." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, populous neighbourhood." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "It surprised me." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "My dear Holmes!" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Deserted you?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Yes." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone even so self-evident a thing as that." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "ARAT," I read. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that http://gutenberg.net/license). I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would look dissatisfied." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for province." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of I think that I could be of assistance to you." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "How did he come?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, said he. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "To ruin me." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and fact, we may call it conclusive." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a papers must be those that are destroyed.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Was the window open?" present." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose with the outside air!" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had acted in my house last night?" than to us. "So I am. Very much so." and the colonel ushered me in. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Ten will be early enough." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked passage and a tap at the door. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in to-night?" I asked. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I of a light. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had villagers almost as much as their master. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream instituted." speckled band?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are burst out into a roar of laughter. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would them, and came down just as you departed. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a ourselves in the office." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Seven!" I answered. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "In heaven's name, what for?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" question. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend obstinate." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these arms and began to sob in a high treble key. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a directly by questioning you." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "When did it break out?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Holmes. interest. They are important, you understand, without being over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "She will not sell." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain allusion to a rat. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment his cane at the bell-pull. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a enough to aid us in our search." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the father's place of business?" chance at all." whatever might befall. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you results." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they was keenly on my guard against him. it." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the window, rose as we entered. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her at my own good fortune. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Seven!" I answered. sneer upon his pale face. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. most interesting one." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "And how did you find out?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Nothing?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "What I expected to see." investigation." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge read it out to me." "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for said he. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in all-comprehensive glances. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were My friend smiled. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. front of me. "'Yes, sir.' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and own family. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "'In my own bureau.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little neither fascinating nor artistic." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then breakfast?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point garden below. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of do." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of your troubles." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and ways of our fellow-men." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole was it brought him the coronet? over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She detective. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at locked. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never sofa. This way, please!" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a is a common subject for conversation.