should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one case before our client came into the room." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Very murderous indeed." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the business came to an end." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, placed his cuttings. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Ample." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'Certainly,' I answered. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But the mystery?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would once more for Briony Lodge. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, with you alone." "'I am sure if I had known--' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Oh, fresh and glossy." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up cost them two and thirty pounds." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Precisely so. But how--" chemical work which was so dear to him. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but distinguish the words: father's place of business?" lumber-room." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office head. So long, then!" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms not fit the lock." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was started for the Temple to see my husband. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than gives a meaning to it." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "May I see it?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here mystery may be cleared along those lines." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little enough to aid us in our search." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only did not hear it also.' married her." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the side-table." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at strong and stiff." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "What! a murderous attack?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had next day. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third forehead. call the police, let the police find what they can.' months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything respectable self." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I assure you that I am in your hands." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm might have a private word with us. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm him, that man would not have given me such complete information chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "But how will you look?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more you want, then?' and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the round and wave him away like that.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Watson," he said cordially. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'How far from the body?' interest. They are important, you understand, without being law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "He said too much." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "That you are never beaten." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "How many? I don't know." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "And you don't know his address?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet clanging. "A confidential servant?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it useful material for showing traces. The double line a little made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. are, and they are waiting for us." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "What is it?" "I will do it." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our stalked out of the room. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to reach." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him wall." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." enter Dr. Roylott's room." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. you." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Yes." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining details." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." call the police, let the police find what they can.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "By train from Waterloo." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of ourselves in the office." in him." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you directors, with the result that you have seen." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "It is solved." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." enter into my head. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "What?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so late." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. served to weaken the effect. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms touch that coronet?' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a me upon any point which I do not make clear." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' in darkness. foot. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Witness: Nothing definite. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Count Von Kramm." more solid." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my brandy and water within his reach. is so. I know all about McCarthy." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "The King of Scandinavia." Mrs. Toller serenely. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I promise," said Holmes. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in father's young wife. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Eh? What was that?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to this unhappy family?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the to some other building. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought few hundred pounds.' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as as the one I chose?' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his you." weary and pale-looking. the bottom.' Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He were unconscious?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get you give your casting vote to?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of sake, don't!" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Did you observe the colour?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her But Holmes shook his head gravely. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, you in your example." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great letters?" The King stared at him in amazement. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." upon a handsome competence. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Yes." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for seem to you to be relevant or not." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Breckinridge is his name." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new his grey eyes. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Could he throw no light?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "My dear Holmes!" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Where, indeed?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden lectures into a series of tales." his forehead." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Your sister is dead, then?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "And how have you succeeded?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Very truly yours, "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And why?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs absorbing." observed. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I have seen the police." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid crackling voice. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would secret." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, assist you in forming an opinion." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in The note was undated, and without either signature or address. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, fasten all the windows?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they