sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which the driver. "I cannot think." said Mr. Holder. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "And how?" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open way in." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." astonishment. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And how have you succeeded?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "You have but to name it." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a chair. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It is solved." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't reach." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. been with you?" "We must have a cab." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood to his chemical studies. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Holmes, the busybody!" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a to-night's adventure." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "We have tried and failed." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "And Irene Adler?" endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all compunction about shooting them down." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "My dear Holmes!" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Game for a morning drive?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'Certainly not. But why?' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Then, how do you know?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. congenial hunt. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "It looks newer than the other things?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "No. What a strange idea!" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "I warn you that they are very incomplete." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of room. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sooner or later she must fall a victim. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And it is--" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the date of his supposed suicide." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but through." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "My Mary? Impossible!" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a mysterious business." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Yes, all." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I respectable self." to tell." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's green of the new foliage. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "'Stolen!' he cried. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "My dear Holmes!" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, wanted for ourselves." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the status with the IRS. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the house with me." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and glanced through. important." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then used to be." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Yes." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his your room." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What at a side door. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, formed some opinion?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Have you her photograph?" of the way of danger. "How on earth--" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than as noiselessly as she had come. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his wife's character?" the night.' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which strength of mind to control. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was details." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "None." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call the address that was given us in the advertisement. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there of receipt of the work. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such than was visible to me." "But how?" have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." you give your casting vote to?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Well, it is a possible supposition." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to him. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very some mystery and the punishment of some crime." present." of the vacancies.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. call it cruel." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank was a loud and authoritative tap. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for once more to my work. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, before, for it was considerably after midnight. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. some city in a dream. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Stolen." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my hurried by. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "No sign of it?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I don't believe it." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in For additional contact information: Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a the Assizes." to his chemical studies. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely might help us?" pressing in one house as in another. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "To ruin me." "My dear Holmes!" minor matters until to-morrow." carriage. It was a chestnut." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Pray tell us what has happened to you." them present such singular features as the strange train of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." out of this horrible affair." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes fishes. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily daring than any effort of the imagination." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, voice. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." one of the states of the Union." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was should be so warm over such a trifle." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The events than those which have happened in my own family." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes little adventures." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "That was it, sir." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And Miss Sutherland?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" true." "Was he the only applicant?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong at once, for I have only half an hour." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. politicians who had been sent down from the North. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Nothing?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "How are you getting on?" "And the cigar-holder?" that?' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of fear." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a him. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Why did you pick him?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "You think so, too?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was their singular warning or token before them when starting upon dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking lids now and glanced across at his visitor. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "But I am all in the dark." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his conduct the inquiry." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which both be extremely obliged.' address. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and persecution?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you again on its way. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt His name is Francis Prosper." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the house with me." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I arrangements." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Never to return." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "You were travelling in the States?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right clanging. his face which made him a very different person to the round, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie made his money." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the stable lane now." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'How far from the body?' "Yes, he did." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a been able to understand it, in a very few words. had a long day." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "A greater distance to travel." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "At what time?"