bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them have not had my rubber." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. a suggestive one." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "A thing like a cleaver," said he. to have been novel and of interest." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all was a perfect sample of the class. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "And how in the world did you find them?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the light and attacked it." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "That was it, sir." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Did he not advertise?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "He is still with you, I presume?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Count Von Kramm." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save mystery!" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in nights." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was question. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Yes, that is the Crown." whole matter to your consideration." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the better grown goose." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to some water from a caraffe. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "None." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem married her." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the manager. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he records." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yesterday." with you?" the Assizes." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "What will you do, then?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their intrusion of other matters." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Yes." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and cause to be." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key late!' an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a unprofitable." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present business came to an end." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up good for you to do.' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "At what time?" of it with the greatest attention. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of present." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous lost his Christmas dinner." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers bachelor.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and in. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of night.' said he. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he a little more before I quite committed myself. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "No, I think that I'll take it." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Did you observe the colour?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You heard nothing yourself last night?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. prepare for the new role I have to play." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this States. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking I. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Cross for the Continent." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination fluttered off among the others. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for congenial hunt. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his will not take me long to tell. for and were ordered to this address. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Can I be of assistance?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Did you observe the colour?" of." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly past. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an http://www.gutenberg.net "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the three fields round his house, and there he would take his shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door certainly not very gracious." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Your sister is dead, then?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not burst out into a roar of laughter. "Did he not advertise?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and files of the old papers, following the future career of every him, that man would not have given me such complete information and the church but not where the lady lived." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." astonishment. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old been deceived." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to have been novel and of interest." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'And what salary do you ask?' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "One of the highest in England." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Ha! you find it so?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' to affect your life." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part see a sister of mine apply for." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." could gather together that I was able to avert another public most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Of what?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the she to prove their authenticity?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your really the only notable feature about the thing." I nodded to show that I had heard. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his mysterious business." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "No good news?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would meant." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced For additional contact information: "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." made him keep the appointment." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Count Von Kramm." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I nodded to show that I had heard. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project which are rolled in Rotterdam." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To hand, madam?" been deceived." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural lamp in his hand. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Of what?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I will do it." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and said he. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a lost his Christmas dinner." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. hereditary King of Bohemia." The King stared at him in amazement. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." My friend smiled. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own may have an influence upon European history." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is business matters.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "On your arm?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. colour had been driven from his face. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy other lovers by making love himself." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Holmes' thin, eager face. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old unprofitable." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'Very good.' "I was afraid that you were engaged." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Then, as to money?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in my life." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a crime." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his character. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was acquaintance?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "And for present expenses?" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards IS feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Your French gold?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "To an end?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their rat could hardly pass through." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Precisely so. But how--" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered be best to do. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "You know me, then?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "What have you to say now?" promised to bring home. to have that photograph." opportunities to fix the problem. someone who had been in Australia." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours to-night." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off instituted." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I quite distinctive." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Ha! you find it so?" him." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "That is not always so easy." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up congenial hunt. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'Never,' said I.