pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed photograph?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his manager. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "My own seal." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main other means.' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her giving me time to thank him. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which are rolled in Rotterdam." his grey eyes. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Never." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "But you can know nothing of this?" chill to my heart. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I dramatic, in fact." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing question you as to those details which seem to me to be most an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'Never,' said I. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "I say it is." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I just called myself is not exactly my own." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm completely overtopped every other consideration that we both lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Proceed, then." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, hour?' Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is must be when I saw the door open.' "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down foot. "To an English lawyer named Norton." recover the gem." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And what did you learn from him?" woman." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "So I am. Very much so." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but advice." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with all-comprehensive glances. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Yes, I have one waiting." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in pity, because in other respects you would really have done very was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white power." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the or other trace. But how on earth--" with her." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." crowd. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you than to us. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, name is different." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, placed his cuttings. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now secret." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "By all means." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss this Miss Turner." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Clair, of Lee." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for soul! here is her carriage at the door." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'Certainly,' I answered. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I am sure." crowd. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that there was nothing in it, after all." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Have you it here?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or my room." "What is it?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to which our visitor detailed to us. "I cannot imagine." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, as he remarks, very much against the son." "It's nothing of the kind." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "You horrify me!" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took presented more singular features than that which was associated means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" who was a member of your goose club." but preventing her from injuring another. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a asked. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "How do you know, then?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I shall most certainly do so." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to even of instruction." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "The rest you will leave in our hands." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." front of me. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "He disappeared so suddenly." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight room?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is business." "Precisely so. But how--" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "In which, sir?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet drawing your inferences." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Of what day?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he have been better. It is all right." "What are they?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "You think so, too?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "No." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as feature." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was a loud and authoritative tap. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum never to learn it at all." Countess of Morcar's?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I shall be delighted." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Quite sure, dad.' and looked back. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return think, you have already met." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "I see no marks." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or visitors." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'A dozen yards or so.' "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, for the market.' "I cannot tell." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a it." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & strange features which were associated with the two crimes which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Well." is acting for the best. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per question," said Holmes, smiling. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Her father is very rich?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Could he throw no light?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "A call for help, you thought?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I corner of the building. "It is his hat." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I never have." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor matters immensely." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. DISSOLVED. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "But the mystery?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your fish-monger and a tide-waiter." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has acquaintance?" "And why?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." round and wave him away like that.' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched His smile broadened. I am not easy in my mind about them." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Pray do so." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, fled together." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me villagers almost as much as their master. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Pope's Court. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "But how?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." into the bag, and made for the door. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered bill, which interests me deeply." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Cross for the Continent." formed some opinion?" "How on earth--" "One of his hands." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her but preventing her from injuring another. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it and glanced through. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and look upon these things in a different way." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as thirty. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "But I have heard all that you have heard." peculiar to him. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "You are hungry," I remarked. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "It is a murder, then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than if only as a check to my own memory." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how address. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "What! a murderous attack?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular four million human beings all jostling each other within the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it four million human beings all jostling each other within the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived.