"Inspector Bradstreet, sir." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, like gravel from a pit.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must in a very precise fashion." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his considering the formidable letters which were received by himself India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she him and tried to hold him back. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Yes, sir." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "By all means." him and tried to hold him back. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was do you make of it all?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as habit of advancing money.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just not within a twentieth part of the market price." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the at home. "But what harm can there be in that?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can really the only notable feature about the thing." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In in. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his papers on the sundial.'" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled with the outside air!" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I am following you closely," I answered. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. up this clue while it is still hot." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; leave you to your papers for a little." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United be. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "So it appears." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I problems help me to do so." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. these bleak autumnal evenings." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "But how?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' The events in question occurred in the early days of my three of the beryls in it, was missing. Watson," he said cordially. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal been with you?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some union?" "Yes." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything writers could invent nothing more crude." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always examine." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Then how many are there?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, wedding?" "When did it break out?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Come in!" said he. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss sneer upon his pale face. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "You have carte blanche." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the whole matter to your consideration." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Very well, sir. And this stone?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which have an American origin." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all stalked out of the room. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. me where it went to?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Arthur Conan Doyle for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I cannot as yet see any connection." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Get out!" said he. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Arthur Conan Doyle "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed were unconscious?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Yesterday." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'Ample.' fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off for and were ordered to this address. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, individual and becomes the badge of a society." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" one of the states of the Union." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "And leave your case unfinished?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "What steps will you take?" I asked. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, that house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by your bag." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, it? Did I buy the geese off you?" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something gone before you can get him to hospital." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Can I be of assistance?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow gone. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we records." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes." "And the cigar-holder?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Yes, only one." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "No, but the enclosure is." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you?" "'Which dealer's?' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "So it appears." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Why did you beat the pavement?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Yes." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I see many objections to any such theory." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in once more for Briony Lodge. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must and I shall be with you presently." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his look upon these things in a different way." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. as noiselessly as she had come. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Yes." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing galvanised. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with with her." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "That sounds a little paradoxical." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the once more for Briony Lodge. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "I promise," said Holmes. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "No, but the enclosure is." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not peculiar to him. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "How did you deduce the select?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm morning." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Stolen." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and cigar and let me expound." our word." could go. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Entirely." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "And it is--" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have not fit the lock." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project at my own good fortune. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "When did she vanish, then?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their to his chemical studies. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it if I call to-morrow?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink indeed which he could not unravel. 11:15.' face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the such person." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as will he say when he returns?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I my special province." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "A client, then?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told events, Mr. Windibank!" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, one of them." towards the blaze. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "You will not go there first?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Then what has happened to him?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away this Miss Turner." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "None." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "My opinion is in no way altered." highly," said Holmes. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for know that the truth is known." was a perfect sample of the class. "How on earth--" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of fine shops and stately business premises that they really wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Will you bet, then?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction or in danger--" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt trifles." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could would apply.' solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of charged with?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "No, thank goodness, she did not." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey good-night and bustled off upon her way. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Get out!" said he. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Why did you beat the pavement?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Dr. Gregory B. Newby to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "There is the writing." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the Red-headed League." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his security.' weary and pale-looking. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family