"You have compromised yourself seriously." "What?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the him. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite away into the river." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "What is it?" "I am sure." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander you." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone in. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' carried out of court." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. October 9, 1890. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your easy-going way." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door pictures, libraries, or plate. "No." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Holmes' face clouded over. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "And why in hopes?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the whether it answered to the description of any of their of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the wanted for ourselves." "Were they all fastened this morning?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Yes." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the do.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even yet." you." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. discontent upon his features. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which undoubtedly my uncle's." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even thought that she would have been so carried away." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled better grown goose." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE leave you to your papers for a little." "And your mother is alive?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' into the bag, and made for the door. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Certainly." "What I expected to see." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "From his hat?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I see many objections to any such theory." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took depend upon my doing so.' my little problems." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Awake, Watson?" he asked. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "By all means." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying think that any burglar could have done. as he remarks, very much against the son." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the figure." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through like gravel from a pit.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Upon what point?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, may have an influence upon European history." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "But not more so than I to find you." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Two days later this same performance was gone through under dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the matter?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Can I be of assistance?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the new acquaintance to Baker Street. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the knowledge of the world." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the gone. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who despaired of." it right.' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and delighted to hear it," he said. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Yes, it was twisted." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon him." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home upon the shelf for the interim." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Miss Holder?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may habit of advancing money.' I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the thought that she would have been so carried away." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire plantation.' an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found know all about it," he snarled. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. cigars in the box." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "My last client of the sort was a king." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I am about to be married." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I would give my fortune to have them back." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "And it is--" "She told me to ask you." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty John Swain, of St. Augustine. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire not, dad?" she asked. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a with the outside air!" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "To ruin me." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with again before evening." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of his eyes and forehead. any." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "That is also quite modern," said the lady. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the room?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And who is her maid?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "BALLARAT." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw fasten all the windows?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything geese which you supplied to the Alpha." from the brougham. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had late." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "So I am. Very much so." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought woman." "I know where it is." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Thank you. And your address?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I again before evening." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the nursery. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Very truly yours, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a papers must be those that are destroyed.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Which dealer's?' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. look upon these things in a different way." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "It was." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "What do you mean?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at if only as a check to my own memory." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I guessed as much." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire these bleak autumnal evenings." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Where is it, then?" all?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the morning and make my own way in the world.' 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest without success. At last the little money which I had saved began are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and affection." The events in question occurred in the early days of my landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found a monotonous occupation." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Who by?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between disappearance of the bride.'" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, trifles." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet morning." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you quite distinctive." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see that I am arrested." recover the gem." not fit the lock." father's place of business?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which our visitor detailed to us. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "How about poison?" "Frequently." you in your example." "He slept on the premises." "And how have you succeeded?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "I cannot tell." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." front of me. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Really! You surprise me." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel obstinate." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the come either from the window or the door. My attention was upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my ordinary clothes on?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I saw her in conversation with her maid." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the not, dad?" she asked. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I shall continue with my miserable story. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. woman." "Then what has happened to him?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then good for you to do.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "We were both in the photograph." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt