Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the enter Dr. Roylott's room." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the answered with a sidelong glance. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "But of what society?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had bed dies. Does not that strike you?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "It is possible." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains standing smiling on the door-step. way: the stones. woven round him. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he in the dead of the night?' careless servant girl?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I would pay ten." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it carriage. It was a chestnut." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little anything to do with the matter?" with her." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous my friend's incisive reasoning. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached here and I will read it to you: The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and the whole place is in a blaze." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "'And the work?' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I cannot as yet see any connection." became a certainty. "May I see it?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, shall not find me ungrateful." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Edgeware Road. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have things are very often connected not with the larger but with the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from I leave." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" congratulate you again." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune seen the man in the road." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative hour?' as he remarks, very much against the son." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, despaired of." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "You don't mind breaking the law?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one What do you deduce from it?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this upon an income of about 60 pounds." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Your sister is dead, then?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your politicians who had been sent down from the North. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the notes," he said. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised indeed which he could not unravel. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the address that was given us in the advertisement. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the father's place of business?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such second window is the one that I jumped from." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built this poor creature." the stable lane now." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "What have you done?" asked Holmes. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third excitement. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," not as remarkable as your advertisement." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling clang of the bell. chair. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no habit of advancing money.' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "But your client--" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem I shall communicate with you." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in fashion which was peculiar to him. "But how did you gain them?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Bought." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "At what time?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right his cane at the bell-pull. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. again, where I was soon asleep. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to really the only notable feature about the thing." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was papers diligently of late, have you not?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Then what has happened to him?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. back into the street. see me here to avoid scandal." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried during the last few years, and there are many noble families to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Surrey." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to shoulder; "he's all right." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Yes, from Horsham." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I to take care of herself." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is forehead. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw house for five minutes.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Yes, the wine-cellar." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has himself. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again yet." of them has the shutters up.' a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I are, and they are waiting for us." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate good for you to do.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Absolutely none." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I was afraid that you were engaged." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to humiliation." "I am in hopes that she does." second." "In what way?" asked Holmes. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "None." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as notes," he said. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'Where could I find him?' the house with me." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But your client--" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "None. Neville wrote those words." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and this as likely?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Yes, but only for you and me." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a golden eyeglasses. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "If so, much may have happened between." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE http://www.gutenberg.net uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And is that all?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police business." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "How did you trace it, then?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a to affect your life." I think that I could be of assistance to you." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And when will you call?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose never will be, entirely cleared up. "And that is--" he bowed and left the room without another word. the so-precious time, but come!' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors have been better. It is all right." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Your presence might be invaluable." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I will take you up to see the machine.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "The gentleman I describe." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Why serious?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And how did you verify them?" that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. fashion which was peculiar to him. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Yes, but only for you and me." "And why?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be pressing in one house as in another. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "No, I had a dozen." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "But I have heard all that you have heard." Stoke Moran." "Where, then?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know grasp, he hurried from the room. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating some terrible trap for her." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret in darkness. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from taking in every detail of the apartment. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" room had already been engaged for us. the inner apartment." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you beg that you will break it off." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," of Mr. Rucastle's." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the roots. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built outside. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your best detective that ever lived. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Yes, they were peculiar boots." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes." "Yes." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small into the room. "Here?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Yes. He waved his hands."