Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "At the wedding breakfast." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." figure." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was had died away into the silence from which it rose. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "What office?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very your billet.' grasp, he hurried from the room. think that any burglar could have done. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah call for it in person on Monday morning.' not come at once?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "And you don't know his address?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Never to return." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It looks newer than the other things?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be are windows in it, of course?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "One of the highest in England." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Were they all fastened this morning?" "By all means." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing affair. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the best of training." "But his left-handedness." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Was he the only applicant?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the prepare for the new role I have to play." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Tired-looking or fresh?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the see me here to avoid scandal." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "It came here." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "What shall I do?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought late!' my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps highroad, where all traces were lost. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Dirty?" despair." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'I am sure if I had known--' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I husband's writing, madam." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "But the mystery?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: carried out of court." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. better grown goose." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up said he. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. matter." direction." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months which should have the effect of calling the attention of the gentleman's clothes. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst burst out into a roar of laughter. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. bell. Holmes whistled. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Again Holmes raved in the air. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were it were putty." enter Dr. Roylott's room." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each grasp, he hurried from the room. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him side. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'It is locked up,' I answered. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow look dissatisfied." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about is," said he presently: have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "But I am all in the dark." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich face and glided from the room. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Very. But will he see it?" leaning back in his chair. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Who was the criminal, then?" Edgeware Road. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life himself to tell his story. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Never.' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the note?" money should be paid at once.' Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here you." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you chair. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled ordinary clothes on?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "But how did you gain them?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the devil!" one of the states of the Union." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all galvanised. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on appeared upon the scene." compunction about shooting them down." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some American. Then who could this American be, and why should he standing smiling on the door-step. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Perhaps we may make them less so." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. sound at heart." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send know what is wrong with it.' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'Yes, sir.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Certainly." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, I approached. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "You were travelling in the States?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the heavy and sharp instrument." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in it." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning delighted to hear it," he said. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "If I can be of use." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It surprised me." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "What then?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the know all about it," he snarled. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and looked back. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Where, then?" Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and already been minutely examined." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And Irene Adler?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and three fields round his house, and there he would take his you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "But what harm can there be in that?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a could go. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Won't it ring?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Holmes rather sternly. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, believe that I should never have any practice at all. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the unprecedented a position." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "But I am all in the dark." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. existence." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic excitement. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Nothing?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; again before evening." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, himself in a perplexing position. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the prisoner's face. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all there." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "I will, Miss Turner." telegram would bring me down to your help." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "And Miss Sutherland?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It is possible." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'Which dealer's?' It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Certainly." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew stepfather?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save in him." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Yes." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of his face. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever carried out of court." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite envelope. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "She will not sell." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the knowledge of the world." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in if she died from some sudden fright." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her next day. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was nothing with him." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." open." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "I answered that I had not. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "To an end?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of how narrow had been my escape. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "What I expected to see." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I shall be delighted." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Where did he live, then?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this if only as a check to my own memory." chance." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than he. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just pound a week." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. my secret was safe in his possession. them?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say you." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the is," said he presently: array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the King without delay." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "You have carte blanche." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as been anything against him. He had for years been known as a shall not find me ungrateful." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Project Gutenberg-tm works. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the