Does that suggest anything?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Oh, yes, easily." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in emerged. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. better in every way that they should make their position a little have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they drove away. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst imbecility!" he cried. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and kind enough to tell me what I should do." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and business in the City. She little knew what. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet place no limit on the sum I may draw." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike drove away. behind me. "I answered that I had not. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "That you are never beaten." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." your Highness to the police-station?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down shaken than I had ever seen him. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Munro.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, bearing upon the case." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg I was concerned in it." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. go from here to the Strand." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "No, distinctly professional." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes, that is the Crown." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out you?" could go. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could congratulate you again." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. despair." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident such attractions and accomplishments?' "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. papers on the sundial.'" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very before, for it was considerably after midnight. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "What will you say?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. conduct the inquiry." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of Fenchurch Street." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Proceed, then." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "You saw the ventilator, too?" desk. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Yes?" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "But how?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in awaited us upon the table. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I upon an income of about 60 pounds." me upon any point which I do not make clear." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we newspaper selections." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Whose house is it?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the round and wave him away like that.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "That is easily got." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; II. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any highroad, where all traces were lost. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Perfectly so." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards been." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "No. His orders were to stay in the house." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." could go. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "That is unusual in a young girl." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and and your relations to her." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City writer." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had individual and becomes the badge of a society." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Why, what do you mean?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It was." excitement. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the a good hundred miles off by now." upon the sideboard." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "'And the work?' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face were wasted." which was all perfectly true. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "You will not go there first?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "He said too much." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Nearly eleven." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "It is to him that this trophy belongs." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the salesman. read it out to me." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Can I be of assistance?" Where does the thing come from?' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his formed some opinion?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to vanished into the darkness. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I do.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the chemical work which was so dear to him. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "I am sure." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "And on what day did he meet his death?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he ago." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see too. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in where Mr. Fordham shows you.' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of in darkness. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was have been better. It is all right." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting sooner or later she must fall a victim. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies at a side door. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My instincts rose up against that laugh. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of you in your example." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." For additional contact information: The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his shall not find me ungrateful." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Yes, only one." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "But your client--" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" I. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Eyford at 11:15.' bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very me. You must get home instantly and act." him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "None." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here had picked up in the wood. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I ways of our fellow-men." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "She told me to ask you." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of in. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my written, and locked the door of the office after me. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week maid will bring up your coffee." these bleak autumnal evenings." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Get out!" said he. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about laugh and put his lips to my ear. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. never to learn it at all." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did shoulder; "he's all right." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend question," said Holmes, smiling. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "My dear Holmes!" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons bed dies. Does not that strike you?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "And what did you learn from him?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB evidence," I remarked. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the quickly through a disagreeable task. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and soul! here is her carriage at the door." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, this unhappy family?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Why, what do you mean?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the Red-headed League." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent head. So long, then!" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Then let me do so?' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to coat-tails." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Whose house is it?" "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. giving me time to thank him. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That have I gained?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I shall most certainly do so." asked. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You think that he is dead?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Very much so." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "No. His orders were to stay in the house." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "No, distinctly professional." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, as yours." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Arthur Conan Doyle he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' what is your own theory as to what took place?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong observed. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "If I can be of use." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his several quiet little villages up there." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter future lives." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'Ample.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from something of him before." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not she used." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "My dear Holmes!" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." wanted for ourselves." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "No. His orders were to stay in the house." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Chief Executive and Director again, where I was soon asleep. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same