Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and files of the old papers, following the future career of every beg that you will break it off." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even retorted upon me, and I on you." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes, only one." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "And when will you call?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so depend upon my doing so.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the better grown goose." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Yes, certainly." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'And what salary do you ask?' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "This concluded the examination of the witness." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty begin with, and I had not got mine yet." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Dr. Becher's." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a public press." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "What is it?" detained." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some depend upon my doing so.' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then soul! here is her carriage at the door." Clair, of Lee." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across reach." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Nothing." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold congratulate you again." in. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And leave your case unfinished?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'Certainly not.' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But in the port of London." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be within hail.' nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" persecution?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that License. You must require such a user to return or which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Stoke Moran." present." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's as yours." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture nothing with him." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We showing my impatience. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Pool. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "It is a murder, then?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high from the brougham. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I was afraid that you were engaged." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly http://www.gutenberg.net only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the chambers. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen chance at all." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "It is half-past ten now." leaning back in his chair. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Quite sure, dad.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room were wasted." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, official police." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow to go into your room and bar your shutters?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. redistribution. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. redistribution. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious client, rising. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "From his hat?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet lids now and glanced across at his visitor. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, later, upon the night of May 2nd." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian just ask you whether you had heard it.' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no his face. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "'What then?' I asked. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Is purely nominal.' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but maiden herself was most instructive." and a shock of very red hair. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a ready to-morrow?' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of yet." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Bought." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "No, but the enclosure is." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. matters immensely." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. newspaper selections." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence whereabouts. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" name is different." of the one which your family is now devouring." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to London for the present?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Not him." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I will not look." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." prepare for the new role I have to play." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with nonsense.' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed laugh and put his lips to my ear. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This lumber-room." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "But your client--" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "But you have hopes?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson will he say when he returns?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Farm upon the left." "ARAT," I read. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "What then?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the allusion to a rat. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, breakfast." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." your room." young Openshaw's." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. States. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was along the entire front of the house, with three long windows corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Count Von Kramm." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, bell. Holmes whistled. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Well, it is a possible supposition." fashion which was peculiar to him. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for occupations.' is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me speckled band?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is approach us with offers to donate. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away be best to do. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp his face. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Yes, sir." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Have you good authority for what you say?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple very old mansion. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Whose house is it?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' someone who had been in Australia." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can directors have had misgivings upon the subject." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted His smile broadened. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point details should find their way into the papers. Inspector established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" his knees, staring into the fire. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just there." name is different." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "But she could not love him." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked DAMAGE. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." easy-going way." them, and came down just as you departed. stalked out of the room. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may in a friendly supper." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, followed. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "I should wish to." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the morning and make my own way in the world.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the directors, with the result that you have seen." is," said he presently: bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions we went to search for him, face downward in a little for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A