again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It wall." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Eyford at 11:15.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the stones. skylight. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in to tell." "I cannot as yet see any connection." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can later, upon the night of May 2nd." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Yes." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open were unconscious?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked followed. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Then you may be so with me." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I am armed." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "The murder was done with it." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing spark where all is dark to me." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round and all of them with the keenest interest. "What! You do not mean bodies?" your most interesting statement." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shoulder. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Why, it's a dummy," said he. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Yes." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had I am not easy in my mind about them." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own only touch the interest." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle This is what he says: was lame." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Absolutely none." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such not personally threatened." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to delighted to hear it," he said. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of go--none." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from shall use the carriage to-night." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "When did it break out?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "No, but the enclosure is." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Murdered?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" business came to an end." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no best detective that ever lived. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Seven!" I answered. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I cannot think." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I should be immensely obliged to you." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I will do it." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. wedding?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Dirty?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I see many objections to any such theory." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for mystery!" where she found matters as described by the last witness. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and your relations to her." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Pray continue your narrative." the best of training." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Breckinridge is his name." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and files of the old papers, following the future career of every smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat think that he is innocent?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of investigation." "Yes." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the house with me." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great over here." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I came to find a friend." London for the present?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss careless servant girl?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can who was a member of your goose club." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I answered that I had not. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to that he will be back before evening." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "What will you do, then?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it you." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Clair, of Lee." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Very murderous indeed." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "We have tried and failed." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and both be extremely obliged.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'And what salary do you ask?' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad lumber-room." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Precisely." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice strode off upon his way. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that purpose of examination. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of walking." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so chill to my heart. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the King without delay." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." secret." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before of his shoulders. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Just look it up, then." "I have a cab outside." golden eyeglasses. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the writers could invent nothing more crude." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had lips." you give your casting vote to?" upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Sutherland. client, rising. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at charged with?" "Then I do not see the point." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "How are you getting on?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was for its centre. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a it." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the devil!" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you ceremony." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Then you may entirely rely on me." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine made him keep the appointment." indiscretion." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself you." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had envelope. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a off." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the acquaintance?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the like gravel from a pit.' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Yes, that is the Crown." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and no precautions can guard against." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it might help us?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I yourselves in at night?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I know where it is." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'A dozen yards or so.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last go from here to the Strand." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "She will not sell." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the whatever might befall. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" strong reason behind." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." father's place of business?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE frequently gained my first real insight into the character of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was thirty. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I cannot imagine." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, instituted." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock I held the little printed slip to the light. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Where does the thing come from?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, miles off. sound at heart." hardly wander." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "My own seal." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not politicians who had been sent down from the North. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had again on its way. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I leave you to your papers for a little." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "But how?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he outside. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to hurried away. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who I shall continue with my miserable story. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness