shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Have you it here?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "There are none." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some appeared upon the scene." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I cannot as yet see any connection." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel children over to America with him, so that I found myself without basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. galvanised. "But she could not love him." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." hair?' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted disappearance of the bride.'" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. remarked. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable retorted upon me, and I on you." mystery." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his a little more before I quite committed myself. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "At half-wages, in fact." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the stood on the top of it. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the King without delay." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Henry Baker is a member." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the tragedy. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf seven miles from Eyford Station.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'Very good.' away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "What! a murderous attack?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to he bowed and left the room without another word. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. my friend's incisive reasoning. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were lectures into a series of tales." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Have you it here?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, delighted to hear it," he said. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Yes." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Of what?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "That is also quite modern," said the lady. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "It missed him, then?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "To an end?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" one's self under obligations.' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "How often?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Ten will be early enough." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it his knees, staring into the fire. awkward doing business with an alias." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "You are hungry," I remarked. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Again Holmes raved in the air. morning." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three how narrow had been my escape. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "That is possible." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But how?" science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet the station." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in think you a quite exceptional woman." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "He is dead," cried several voices. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." what is your own theory as to what took place?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. locked." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute I have it here in my museum." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Why serious?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that mystery!" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. fashion which was peculiar to him. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very spare." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the general public were present, then?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And the murderer?" object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of chambers. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." results." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you felt?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "An enemy?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some enough to aid us in our search." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his stepfather?" "It is very kind of you." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My seven miles from Eyford Station.' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "How did that help you?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, dear old homesteads?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection if she died from some sudden fright." "Then what has happened to him?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This gigantic client. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the nursery. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Pray let us have it, for all that." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white you." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "He said that you could solve anything." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who photograph?" closely." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very persecution?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that he has suffered." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which mysterious business." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Nothing?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there as he remarks, very much against the son." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "No, my brougham is waiting." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions to surprise her." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of lips." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have in darkness. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to girl said." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House have an American origin." "Precisely so. But how--" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "In what way?" asked Holmes. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "No good news?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a way: was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do me upon any point which I do not make clear." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet could gather together that I was able to avert another public had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Dirty?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to change my dress. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Eyford." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Frequently." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he pierced for earrings?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Absolutely none." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was indeed happy." happened." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Was he the only applicant?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I am sure." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "It surprised me." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. window when the police appeared." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Where, indeed?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have is worth.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to pierced for earrings?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had relief. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his even so self-evident a thing as that." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. my friend's incisive reasoning. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall them?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the second." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which lectures into a series of tales." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be morning." the King without delay." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.