"Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." think that any burglar could have done. "Really! You surprise me." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "It is true that I have been generally successful." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his stammered. "Murdered?" Edgeware Road. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "But not more so than I to find you." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had his face which made him a very different person to the round, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off fishes. not fit the lock." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been never to learn it at all." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "In what way?" asked Holmes. "My Mary? Impossible!" My friend smiled. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son know what is wrong with it.' kindly on the shoulder. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Will you bet, then?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, forecastle of an emigrant ship. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which crackling voice. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings and the whole place is in a blaze." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "He is still with you, I presume?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to if only as a check to my own memory." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. lamp. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes strode off upon his way. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Well, some hundreds of times." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the death." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "But she could not love him." "What?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and of them has the shutters up.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "And leave your case unfinished?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how certainly not very gracious." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves means taking possession of that which another person has a prior charged with?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Nothing?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of habit of advancing money.' about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Well, some hundreds of times." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I used to be." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Where did he live, then?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, where she found matters as described by the last witness. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Thank you. And your address?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were ventilator." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, ago." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. out." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the station." them?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I key turn in the lock." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I wedding?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was of his shoulders. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, intrusion of other matters." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make forehead. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'A dozen yards or so.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "The vanishing of the lady." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor chambers. the stable lane now." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "But it has twice been burgled." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. a monotonous occupation." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire me. You must get home instantly and act." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "My last client of the sort was a king." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but October 9, 1890. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old The police have openly confessed that they can at present make residence of the great financier. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and views." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Did you observe the colour?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it then?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "And for present expenses?" "Thank you. And your address?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand stammered. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and telegram would bring me down to your help." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "I never have." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Surrey." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Did he not advertise?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" people in all walks of life. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, strength in the others." "One of his hands." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured note?" felt?" letters?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "And how in the world did you find them?" "Is he quiet?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack thirty. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, coroner's jury." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, floor. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." door?" have accepted such a situation. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something any little problem which you may submit to me." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Yes." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "A call for help, you thought?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure written, and locked the door of the office after me. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a should be taken.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred perplexity from it to my illustrious client. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her tied." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon you." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Clair, of Lee." matters immensely." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "'And what are they worth?' I asked. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "And help." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "And when will you call?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who said he. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which know what is wrong with it.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "But how will you look?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I am in hopes that she does." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and address. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Entirely." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a tear off another piece?' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between children over to America with him, so that I found myself without We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say showing my impatience. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been was not a bird to be seen there. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" closely." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "One?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent that the gas is not laid on in his house?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, anything to do with the matter?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Certainly not.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "His face fell immediately. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Your sister is dead, then?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Nearly eleven." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "And I." "You have carte blanche." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You horrify me." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, meant it for the best. season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing to surprise her." "And your mother is alive?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, secret." whole matter to your consideration." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a keep the flames under. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was never will be, entirely cleared up. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with bachelor.' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." me upon any point which I do not make clear." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Holmes' room. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "No?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a people in all walks of life. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "No." gone before you can get him to hospital." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging my former friend and companion. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "You did not overhear what they said?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at