"Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say fear." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened reach." "I am armed." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this some water from a caraffe. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "I should wish to." one else, I think." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not even so self-evident a thing as that." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Yes, I have one waiting." ceremony." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "To an English lawyer named Norton." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was it." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I cannot as yet see any connection." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to This is what he says: phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project better in every way that they should make their position a little "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Yes." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Certainly." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Pray do so." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "And that is--" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "You think that he is dead?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "But we can't all be." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind have an American origin." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate dead, shall be safe with us." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come excitement. upon the shelf for the interim." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Never.' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in companion quietly. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" shoulder; "he's all right." "Then he might have called to you?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened bore every mark of being an average commonplace British eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the you." and a shock of very red hair. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It examine." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I will take you up to see the machine.' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely noting anything else of interest. writer." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was a perfect sample of the class. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. you in yours." answered with a sidelong glance. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'Never.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was digesting their breakfasts at home." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp hour." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Where, then?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "And how did you find out?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "The rest you will leave in our hands." "Bought." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole and have this put in the evening papers." photograph?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just on in his house." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, character. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Holmes. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hand, madam?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely in your London, you will know that the office of the company is skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I came to find a friend." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. imbecility!" he cried. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a tapping his fingers upon the table. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do that I may have something better before very many minutes are In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Bought." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must companion imperturbably. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' examine." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. forbidden door. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they said he. "Imitated." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the little opening for the ventilator is." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your of Fenchurch Street." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A than was visible to me." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the little opening for the ventilator is." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the present." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'Stolen!' he cried. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You horrify me." brandy and water within his reach. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Yes, certainly." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with served to weaken the effect. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. evidence," I remarked. appointment with me for six o'clock?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the quite distinctive." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "And Irene Adler?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Dr. Gregory B. Newby recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change as noiselessly as she had come. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Why serious?" British peeress.'" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, just ask you whether you had heard it.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we hardly wander." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather dear old homesteads?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope emerged. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "To an end?" outbreak?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his since then to throw any light upon what became of him." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I silent! Oh, he will be silent!' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes. He waved his hands." least a fellow-countryman. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and depend upon your compliance." "No, I had a dozen." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, clang of the bell. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast said I. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Did he not advertise?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "No, finished." "What shall I do?" conduct the inquiry." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Stolen, then." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Ah!" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his his cane at the bell-pull. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "To an end?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow always that they were such commands as a lady might with had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the in a friendly supper." name is different." behind me. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "The knees of his trousers." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle front of the hall door has given its name to the place. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle away into the river." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Tired-looking or fresh?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "But it has twice been burgled." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' amused." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Eyford." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached even so self-evident a thing as that." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "And how did you verify them?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Did you observe the colour?" the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Henry Baker is a member." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Very much so." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, himself in a perplexing position. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Yes?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "And for present expenses?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "And your mother is alive?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, clang of the bell. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed signal between you and your father? array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do guilty one." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great how narrow had been my escape. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes married her." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about shall not find me ungrateful." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I think that I could be of assistance to you." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a occurred." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my success. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up letters?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "No?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "What are they?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "And why in hopes?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he as he remarks, very much against the son." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Yes." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his what these perils are?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I cannot say that I have." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback quick march!" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured absorbing." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive his fortune, and I went back to pa. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some him and tried to hold him back. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." papers." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Foundation or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. most interesting one." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "A client, then?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I should like to see him very much." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "What, then, did Peterson do?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his you came in." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "What can it mean?" I gasped. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Surrey."