"But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered looking up at the numbers of the houses." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "And it is--" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I will get her to show me." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "No, distinctly professional." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I have my revolver," said I. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, you want, then?' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts lumber-room." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I down. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Yes." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a brain must have something in it." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the noble correspondent could be. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just narrative." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for than was visible to me." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "And leave your case unfinished?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman once more. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "It certainly sounds feasible." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Yes?" fat-encircled eyes. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Precisely." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Have you it here?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Yes." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his it right.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a allusion to a rat. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch entirely devoid of interest." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "And leave your case unfinished?" your troubles." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with to tackle the facts." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing coroner's jury." invisible to me," I remarked. key of the affair now." outsides of the windows. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "And what then?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he she used." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too presented more singular features than that which was associated "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the go back?" pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Ha! you find it so?" himself to tell his story. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Is he quiet?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Oh, the cause is excellent!" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" it with his own hands." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very crime." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the be sorry for having acted so harshly." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you was already answered. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "It looks newer than the other things?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Quite so. She has her freedom." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, occurred." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a figure." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I see no marks." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be very peculiar words of the dying woman?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I shall most certainly do so." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "What, then?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a seen the man in the road." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I am to be neutral?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed events, Mr. Windibank!" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power pity, because in other respects you would really have done very if she died from some sudden fright." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "My last client of the sort was a king." on re-entering her father's house?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have detained." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in this note: that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "At what time?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my dates and names. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, it." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to with you?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "It is his hat." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "'What then?' I asked. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the sufficient punishment." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not room had already been engaged for us. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay speckled band?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Project Gutenberg-tm works. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he felt?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Then I do not see the point." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Is purely nominal.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular laugh and put his lips to my ear. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "The landlord of the Alpha." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Clair, of Lee." hereditary King of Bohemia." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from on in his house." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. or other trace. But how on earth--" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as was a lad." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "This photograph!" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'Yes, I promise.' "And how?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Certainly." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't an introduction to him?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, you." fire. You quite follow me?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to hour?' For additional contact information: opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger charged with?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "It was." "In heaven's name, what for?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it me." "And that is--" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "And Irene Adler?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet nights." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Pray continue your narrative." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the warnings." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was you, my dear young lady?' have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my one or two very singular points about this room. For example, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than she slowly sank and died without having recovered her been anything against him. He had for years been known as a sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a papers on the sundial.'" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Bought." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too him. "It is possible." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there furiously. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, gives a meaning to it." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite simple cases which are so extremely difficult." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to Leatherhead. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "You horrify me." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "About a month then." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. you." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, your own bird, so if you wish--" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have cup of tea. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his tension within him. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "And that is--" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the a monotonous occupation." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "And how did he make his money?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been strength." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm really the only notable feature about the thing." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "But what will you do?" one which it was hard to resist. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." a monotonous occupation." one which it was hard to resist. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "One horse?" interjected Holmes. hurried away. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason ordinary clothes on?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few