England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have go back?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "My stepfather's business papers." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." John Swain, of St. Augustine. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been again." disturbance in my wife." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I answered that I had not. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some our word." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who papers diligently of late, have you not?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Really! You surprise me." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal 'please.'" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I should wish to." "Pray continue your narrative." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, business." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'It is locked up,' I answered. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London shall use the carriage to-night." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may him and tried to hold him back. case before our client came into the room." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. McCarthy's innocence. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Quite sure, dad.' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the Assizes." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a ceremony." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "VIOLET HUNTER." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "It is solved." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to this as likely?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the prison!" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must has little to do with my story." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so stepfather?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "And what then?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Count Von Kramm." "And you can do nothing until then?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our kind enough to tell me what I should do." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back did not hear it also.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Why did you pick him?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Holmes' face clouded over. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet him!" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk excitement. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a this as likely?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little you do it in twenty minutes!' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer asked with his eyes open. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Eh? What was that?" least a most suspicious remark." "'I am sure if I had known--' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could one of them." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, there are nearly always some there." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'Where to?' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, attention." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to flock.' "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And is that all?" "What are they?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" DAMAGE. closely." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, leaning back in his chair. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Does that suggest anything?" "Dr. Becher's." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "And I say east," said my patient. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to cigars in the box." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make late." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." disappearance of these gems?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Where to?' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Literary Archive Foundation it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing carried out of court." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my and your relations to her." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom had died away into the silence from which it rose. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those him." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at DAMAGE. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Yes." tension within him. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the matter." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: at my remark. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I nodded to show that I had heard. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque dates and names. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Holmes' face clouded over. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Pray let us have it, for all that." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us questioning and rather startled gaze. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that What do you deduce from it?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very the armchair which I pushed forward for him. are, and they are waiting for us." the general public were present, then?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which absolutely follow my advice in every respect." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the matter?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 of fine shops and stately business premises that they really great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are future lives." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, least a fellow-countryman. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from man. I know him from the photograph." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Who by?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until was not a bird to be seen there. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Stoke Moran." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But constraint." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy the inner apartment." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and files of the old papers, following the future career of every doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I fled together." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out that I can to serve you." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to quite distinctive." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Dirty?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "By no means." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. signal between you and your father? instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has returned to France?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the chance at all." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector were wasted." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I would pay ten." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." fat-encircled eyes. "Yes, the wine-cellar." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, October 9, 1890. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have garden below. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of into the room. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious interests were the same as his." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "No." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Yes." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better bed dies. Does not that strike you?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding you." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" constraint." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular recover the gem." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Only as much as we can deduce." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a ourselves in the office." carried out of court." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Dr. Gregory B. Newby took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we was keenly on my guard against him. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Mrs. Toller serenely. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "'Never.' in my life." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall was a lad." Henry Baker is a member." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the best of training." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her digesting their breakfasts at home." "I should like to see him very much."