"She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Nothing?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I would pay ten." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his case-book, which he consulted. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were investigation." "I will not look." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "And I." lost nothing by them." little adventures." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but him and tried to hold him back. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I that you wished to speak to me?' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. and looked back. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "What I expected to see." there when the Rucastles went away." "'Is purely nominal.' TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week keep the flames under. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Precisely." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is suddenly upon us." open." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It may be so in this case, also." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "But the mystery?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as His smile broadened. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need been with you?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, generous with you in money matters.' "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'No, I know no one in these parts.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during points in connection with it which never have been, and probably copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and unprofitable." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land some city in a dream. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the nursery. all-comprehensive glances. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he 1.F. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part call for it in person on Monday morning.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long highly," said Holmes. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'Where to?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the so-precious time, but come!' cigars in their mouths. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and man. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Leadenhall Street--and--" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all you." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest is a common subject for conversation. "Did you observe the colour?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" telegram would bring me down to your help." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, dead, shall be safe with us." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "What, then, did Peterson do?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. your most interesting statement." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have weary and pale-looking. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "It came here." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock cheerful." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "That you are never beaten." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce that before taking the final step I should like to submit the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. mystery." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You one which it was hard to resist. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily residence of the great financier. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for papers on the sundial.'" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. read over the extraordinary announcement. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to conceal it?" "But how?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the legal crime." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my long narrative. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set individual and becomes the badge of a society." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which was all perfectly true. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Yes, only one." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." desk. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "And how in the world did you find them?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora purpose equally well?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel pictures, libraries, or plate. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "How often?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet will take you up to see the machine.' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you, my dear young lady?' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Very. But will he see it?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of tension within him. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. returning from some small jollification and was making his way 1.F. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built and capable of preserving a secret.' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to have not had my rubber." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "She will not sell." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, come either from the window or the door. My attention was "'Oh, no.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism his grey eyes. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Murdered?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your room?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and the whole place is in a blaze." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend late." towards the blaze. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "You are hungry," I remarked. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "He said that you could solve anything." both be extremely obliged.' we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "It certainly sounds feasible." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who pressing in one house as in another. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, writers could invent nothing more crude." "I don't believe it." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some skylight. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Where could I find him?' "And is that all?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic weighed down with some great anxiety. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But you were on a friendly footing?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." meant." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have room. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "I see no marks." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps with the outside air!" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of exactly what you advise." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The murder was done with it." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "And who is her maid?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "What can you not understand?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, few hundred pounds.' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a washing it down with a long draught of water. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'What are you doing there?' he asked. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the in the dead of the night?' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, golden eyeglasses. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in cup of tea. disturbance in my wife." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled gone.