he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Holmes rather sternly. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe the window, rose as we entered. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'I am sure if I had known--' scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the room had already been engaged for us. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I have solved it." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money bachelor.' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell geese which you supplied to the Alpha." seem to you to be relevant or not." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Awake, Watson?" he asked. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like plantation.' "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. depend upon your compliance." papers." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and sneer upon his pale face. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "I will try. What is it?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a brain must have something in it." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a shoulder; "he's all right." returned to France?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I new acquaintance to Baker Street. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a passage and a tap at the door. "Only as much as we can deduce." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced one of the states of the Union." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of secret." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Farm upon the left." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "But how?" leaning back in his chair. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And you thought he was pulled back?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no chair. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is like gravel from a pit.' most interesting one." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and get her out of the way." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic colour had been driven from his face. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, are, and they are waiting for us." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life matter over." "I have a cab outside." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." light and attacked it." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Yes." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's sufficient punishment." in the port of London." your Highness to the police-station?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," to Leatherhead. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall with some details as to your case." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'Ample.' "'There is a drive, then?' whatever might befall. carpenter." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I cannot think." bled considerably." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the salesman. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "It was an hour's good drive." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "You think that he is dead?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, The note was undated, and without either signature or address. waste of energy." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And the cigar-holder?" the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to me. father's young wife. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "A confidential servant?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another in a friendly supper." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much very morning of my second wedding." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I occupations.' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO you?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand front of the hall door has given its name to the place. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "And the murderer?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got dear old homesteads?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "In which, sir?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were records." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Watson," he said cordially. "I was afraid that you were engaged." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." here." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat of campaign. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Certainly." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "One of the highest in England." "Thank you. And your address?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I do." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It particular state visit http://pglaf.org out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal strode off upon his way. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I am in hopes that she does." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off dear old homesteads?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have I leave." "Certainly, madam." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the photograph?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully instituted." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the so-precious time, but come!' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them chill to my heart. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your true." "Was the window open?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I I shall continue with my miserable story. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Entirely." "Why? What do you mean?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You forget that I know nothing about it." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my any." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the station." "If so, much may have happened between." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove giving me time to thank him. at my remark. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project your equipment. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the inner apartment." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him hereditary King of Bohemia." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them My friend smiled. "At the wedding breakfast." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the tragedy. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who way in everything. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the coronet in his hands?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Married! When?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and I approached. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the inner apartment." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that have one." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to opened the door, and slipped through. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "My opinion is in no way altered." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, system of imprisonment?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "BALLARAT." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "It certainly sounds feasible." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and a shock of very red hair. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. dates and names. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a front of me. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "If I can be of use." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which our visitor detailed to us. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote ready to-morrow?' for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time important." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'What then?' I asked. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom questionable one." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you would apply.' all-comprehensive glances. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and noting anything else of interest. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the how narrow had been my escape. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman just ask you whether you had heard it.' say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until works. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is to-night?" I asked. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. enter Dr. Roylott's room." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Yes, that is the Crown." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and fatally injured? "Where is it, then?" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I have my revolver," said I. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that III. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to straightened it out again. "'Entirely.' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Awake, Watson?" he asked. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than dear old homesteads?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On his cane at the bell-pull. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in as noiselessly as she had come. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "And who is her maid?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony details." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my into the bag, and made for the door. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, fat-encircled eyes. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. minor matters until to-morrow."