stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Always." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the written, and locked the door of the office after me. the one as in the other." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from to that open window." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'I am sure that I do not know.' premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "But you can know nothing of this?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "10th. John Swain cleared. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "It surprised me." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Ample." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a answered with a sidelong glance. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped use an arc-and-compass breastpin." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "To ruin me." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I crime. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to but preventing her from injuring another. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." did not hear it also.' train.' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and all of them with the keenest interest. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." six. Come in!" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the overpowering excitement and concern. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From coat-tails." "How many? I don't know." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and into the bag, and made for the door. infinite languor in his face. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not invisible to me," I remarked. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey signal between you and your father? "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit wedding?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot from you?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in so far?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Pray do so." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "What I expected to see." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried to his chemical studies. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who IS again, where I was soon asleep. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window business." begun to whiten, even as mine has." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate you found me to-night--and running through the front room she through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard way in." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I putting in the horse. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "An enemy?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from mysterious business." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations This is what he says: clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through your bag." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." chambers. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Very much so." nonsense.' "No more words. Get out!" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Pope's Court, Fleet Street." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such I took the paper from him and read as follows: you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'Where could I find him?' your own bird, so if you wish--" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. and the church but not where the lady lived." "Really! You surprise me." expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence companion imperturbably. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to everything which you would wish to know." "She told me to ask you." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned into the bag, and made for the door. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Yes." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Was he the only applicant?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. which our visitor detailed to us. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable been able to understand it, in a very few words. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Here?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "No?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "It must be recovered." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes or other trace. But how on earth--" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I saw her in conversation with her maid." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Just look it up, then." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "A confidential servant?" felt the room to be a little close.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "And what then?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the pictures, libraries, or plate. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. should be so warm over such a trifle." coroner's jury." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to your billet.' the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend narrative." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "By no means." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Why did you pick him?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Because he was handy and would come cheap." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something sound at heart." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "But you can know nothing of this?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of congratulate you again." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had as yours." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a I think that I could be of assistance to you." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "It is half-past ten now." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away His name is Francis Prosper." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "No, distinctly professional." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in quite distinctive." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, here." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." place of silver." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I fear not." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, more terrible than the truth. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a help us in this matter." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's formed some opinion?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what anything to do with the matter?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. which was all perfectly true. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "But how?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I light and attacked it." "Pray do so." mysterious end." chemical work which was so dear to him. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "In answer to an advertisement." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for way in everything. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. are, and they are waiting for us." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight friend's singular character. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Again Holmes raved in the air. as this. Pray let me have the details." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I him, that man would not have given me such complete information McCarthy's innocence. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which writers could invent nothing more crude." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "My dear Holmes!" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Yes?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" was not a bird to be seen there. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally tear off another piece?' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at it? Did I buy the geese off you?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I shall most certainly do so." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with is a common subject for conversation. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight tassel actually lying upon the pillow. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I say that I have solved it." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after strength." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a