opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "How often?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his time." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "How did he come?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then too. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before village inn over there?" them present such singular features as the strange train of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just your troubles." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon this man was intellectual?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'Where to?' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less III. "I don't say that. Perhaps." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not to have that photograph." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. his huge brown hands. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "And what did you learn from him?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Not yet." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the Pope's Court. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." letters?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I cannot as yet see any connection." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Heh?' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "What steps will you take?" I asked. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his go back?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'A dozen yards or so.' who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive status with the IRS. "I am all attention, madam." remarked. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had pictures, libraries, or plate. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Ten will be early enough." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'As governess?' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his it." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which o'clock is it?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He strength." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in The events in question occurred in the early days of my wedding?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my spare." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "And from a noble client?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the business came to an end." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "But your client--" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or kindly on the shoulder. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end some terrible trap for her." third from London." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So frequently gained my first real insight into the character of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I matter." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "To an end?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "What shall I do?" by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before directly by questioning you." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "They are typewritten," I remarked. quickly through a disagreeable task. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought meanly of me." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up bed dies. Does not that strike you?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even off." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "What will you do, then?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Was he the only applicant?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the ceiling. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that cigars in the box." "Was he the only applicant?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made case before our client came into the room." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the man. I know him from the photograph." writer." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed done what I asked you, Jones?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while help us in this matter." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. ceremony." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and of the one which your family is now devouring." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless once more. late!' the coronet in his hands?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Well, some hundreds of times." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Dark enough and sinister enough." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "We were both in the photograph." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small row." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, comes from the middle window." lost his Christmas dinner." floor. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' that you wished to speak to me?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you means taking possession of that which another person has a prior burst into a hearty fit of laughter. done what I asked you, Jones?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole would apply.' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over that, and I came down." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Entirely." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, bears upon the case?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. do you make of it all?" him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project guilty one." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in better grown goose." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the compunction about shooting them down." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and orange pips. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him she has been waylaid. There has been no result." locked. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see some city in a dream. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement on in his house." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's any more." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped speckled band?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our papers must be those that are destroyed.' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography like that before?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to them, and came down just as you departed. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Why, it's a dummy," said he. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, I shall continue with my miserable story. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'And the work?' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'I have heard so.' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Sholtos." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you his grey eyes. "I am in hopes that she does." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for friends, not even his own brother. out of this horrible affair." the little opening for the ventilator is." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." said I. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade begun to whiten, even as mine has." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "My dear Holmes!" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Very much so." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last not as remarkable as your advertisement." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Eh? What was that?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What are they?" I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural words came to my lips. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached about. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Get out!" said he. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Have you good authority for what you say?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with in the dead of the night?' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Have you good authority for what you say?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said charge against him will break down." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was friend's singular character. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I face and glided from the room. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in so.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and weigh very heavily upon my conscience." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly a suggestive one." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but mystery." nothing of it?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of the way of danger. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our third from London." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Certainly, madam." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were it? Did I buy the geese off you?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of lectures into a series of tales." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own mystery may be cleared along those lines." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." mystery." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler wife's character?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but directly by questioning you." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And I say east," said my patient. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. go--none." of your young ladies.' felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a felt?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "About a month then." "'Ample.' this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down had died away into the silence from which it rose. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in you." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at other, as fresh and trim as possible. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked washing it down with a long draught of water. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you name is different." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And Irene Adler?" arrested. You then--" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now see a sister of mine apply for." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to you." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'Where could I find him?' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the forehead. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Thank you. And your address?" villagers almost as much as their master. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they still one left in my shop. You see this little book?"