make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and went to the Alpha were town bred." not, dad?" she asked. taking in every detail of the apartment. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns of Fenchurch Street." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the a room. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you then?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It looks newer than the other things?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Who was the criminal, then?" mystery." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a done what I asked you, Jones?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and your relations to her." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and laid it on the table. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have depend upon my doing so.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Have you good authority for what you say?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Dr. Becher's." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both true." Holmes." indeed which he could not unravel. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in clanging. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "No." "My stepfather's business papers." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can province." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late which was all perfectly true. "The gentleman I describe." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "'Stolen!' he cried. for and were ordered to this address. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father burst out into a roar of laughter. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' open." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to as noiselessly as she had come. "'It is locked up,' I answered. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with telegram would bring me down to your help." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of fatally injured? closely." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you do it in twenty minutes!' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together wanted for ourselves." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the hard-headed British jury." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you over here." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "What! Had he lost his wife?" careless servant girl?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between a very grave face. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the warnings." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "'Yes, sir.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Certainly." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them bled considerably." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "You have but to name it." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I seen the man in the road." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Your sister is dead, then?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in this note: His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Were they all fastened this morning?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, keep the flames under. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret all-comprehensive glances. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. to have been novel and of interest." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it knowledge of the world." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of the vacancies.' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss indeed which he could not unravel. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat once more on the important position which you have been fortunate mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the morning and make my own way in the world.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave developed." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning point our research must commence, and we will begin it by and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "My stepfather's business papers." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in until night should bring an explanation. "What?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through have got?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Dr. Gregory B. Newby or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he mystery!" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Arthur Conan Doyle should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking from the brougham. "Yes, that is the Crown." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. entirely lost his self-respect." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double place no limit on the sum I may draw." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less interest. They are important, you understand, without being populous neighbourhood." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "He slept on the premises." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel of his shoulders. "'Yes.' "Witness: Nothing definite. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I shall be delighted." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I of." "She will not sell." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the this poor creature." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "No." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the and the church but not where the lady lived." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Stolen." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, rat could hardly pass through." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, was feeling which was the fattest.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And ventilator." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of place no limit on the sum I may draw." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a go--none." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me standing smiling on the door-step. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a felt the room to be a little close.' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "In heaven's name, what for?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it chance." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly charged with?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "By train from Waterloo." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Quite sure, dad.' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "But your client--" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "A call for help, you thought?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, head. So long, then!" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "It's nothing of the kind." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for what these perils are?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I were unconscious?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "An accident, I presume?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "What office?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and was used.' about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'Certainly not.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I will not look." chamber." "By no means." unclasping of his long thin hands. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well which our visitor detailed to us. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Surrey." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his clanging. "What have you to say now?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Yes, the wine-cellar." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your footfalls from the street. the ceiling. "It is very clear." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign know that the truth is known." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "In answer to an advertisement." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "And your father? Did you tell him?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the said he at last. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. felt the room to be a little close.' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks annoyance, but no jest. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You horrify me!" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones spare." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a cause to be." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I shall most certainly do so." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Yes, it was twisted." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Stolen." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but train from Paddington which would bring you there at about satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "And now?" I asked. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I