The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle

Summary

«The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle» is a story about an investigation conducted by Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson. The action begins with Watson visiting Holmes at his apartment on Baker Street in London. Holmes shows Watson a hat and a goose carcass that were found on the street after a scuffle. Inside the goose, a precious stone—the blue carbuncle—is discovered, which had been stolen from the hotel room of Countess Morcar. Holmes begins an investigation to find out how the stone ended up inside the goose. He tracks down the owner of the hat, Henry Baker, who is not involved in the theft but points to the goose seller, who in turn leads Holmes to James Ryder, a hotel employee. Ryder confesses to the theft and explains how he hid the stone in the goose. Holmes decides not to turn Ryder over to the police, believing that his fear and remorse are punishment enough. The story concludes with Holmes and Watson discussing the moral aspects of the case.