tail." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you said he. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was a little more before I quite committed myself. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. made his money." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I have solved it." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "By all means." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "It must be recovered." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out gone before you can get him to hospital." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence prove to be little relation between the different incidents of morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the take the flies, but not before." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "How did you trace it, then?" clang of the bell. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Married! When?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I am in hopes that she does." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, as he folded up the epistle. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the are windows in it, of course?" "Yes, sir." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took deduce something from that?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly pierced for earrings?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they out." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. tell them apart.' "'Yes, I promise.' skylight. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with few hundred pounds.' "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "What do you make of that, Watson?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "An accident, I presume?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "But I am all in the dark." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I tightly behind him. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Perhaps I have." "You know me, then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I answered that I had not. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull will he say when he returns?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey one which it was hard to resist. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my as he folded up the epistle. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up gives a meaning to it." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had such person." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." you in your example." forehead. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the so-precious time, but come!' Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am From what you have told me I think that it is possible that matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it there when the Rucastles went away." murdered man." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or her also." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I formed some opinion?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Pool. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? if only as a check to my own memory." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "She will not sell." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Young McCarthy must be got off, however." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though thin legs towards the fire. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "In heaven's name, what for?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was about. "Nothing?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my ill-usage at the hands of fortune. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through have been better. It is all right." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a seen the man in the road." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Texas, I think." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the weary and pale-looking. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of carriage. It was a chestnut." even so self-evident a thing as that." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do man. I know him from the photograph." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed hurried by. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was brain must have something in it." your equipment. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an fasten all the windows?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. future lives." advice." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "So I have heard." his face. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and paper in the air. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Pool. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. friend's singular character. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the interest. They are important, you understand, without being order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "What I expected to see." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." guilty one." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "And why?" thought that she would have been so carried away." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his here." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end that threaten you." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "What is it?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "That sounds a little paradoxical." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" horse could go." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." himself to tell his story. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Pool. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa to affect your life." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "The Coroner: What do you mean? loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the coronet in his hand?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Ah!" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'And the work?' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too in a friendly supper." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her in a very precise fashion." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from upon an income of about 60 pounds." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, furiously. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. McCarthy's innocence. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly cigars in their mouths. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main closely." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money to have been novel and of interest." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Pray continue your narrative." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Imitated." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it one of the states of the Union." strength in the others." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Ample.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from people in all walks of life. mysterious business." "Which are?" "That also I could fathom." "On Monday." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "That is unusual in a young girl." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "So it appears." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the one as in the other." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the nursery. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' some terrible trap for her." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have most interesting one." girl said." nice household for a young lady." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "You horrify me!" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "By all means." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "One of the highest in England." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is fact, we may call it conclusive." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "How on earth--" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'I am sure if I had known--' fat-encircled eyes. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much was shining brightly. of your young ladies.' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the roused himself from his reverie. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "That also I could fathom." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would remarked. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair Countess of Morcar's?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Yesterday." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I unprofitable." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst at home. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and