"The knees of his trousers." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Then, as to money?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon lids now and glanced across at his visitor. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. approach us with offers to donate. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very prisoner's face. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. I. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Well, but China?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished appointment with me for six o'clock?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like that he will be back before evening." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the so-precious time, but come!' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and at once, for I have only half an hour." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Does that suggest anything?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Never." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "So I am. Very much so." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Why? What do you mean?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I have a cab outside." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "And you can do nothing until then?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a was feeling which was the fattest.' Where does the thing come from?' "Precisely." companion. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "One?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." bedroom door." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the driver. or other trace. But how on earth--" Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have to arrive at through this?" whatever might befall. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into occurred." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Dark enough and sinister enough." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "What I expected to see." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I will get her to show me." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his details should find their way into the papers. Inspector possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, ago." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would name is different." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to have been novel and of interest." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went asked. "Did you observe the colour?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You horrify me." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Yes." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the main points of my analysis." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the brandy and water within his reach. and no precautions can guard against." his face. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "But how?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Yes, at the mines." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "It is very kind of you." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly the coronet at all injured?" "Yes, only one." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows should be taken.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hand, madam?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "You have but to name it." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a bird I ate is country bred." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "He is still with you, I presume?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can success. his face. this man was intellectual?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." paper in the air. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "What can you not understand?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right unprecedented a position." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person business." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this quick march!" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the carpenter." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You outside." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fuss that is made over them." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman manager. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in showing my impatience. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Yes, sir." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the that you saw all that I did." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "On the contrary, this is the right side." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Cross for the Continent." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, 'please.'" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons tied." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less keep the flames under. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Ah!" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Have you it here?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Arthur Conan Doyle wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "You will not go there first?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have London for the present?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. during that time.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "9th. McCauley cleared. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you memory. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could client, rising. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying evidence," I remarked. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Nothing?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "10th. John Swain cleared. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "What can you not understand?" had this final quarrel? dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I am still in the dark." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to change my dress. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "You think that he is dead?" "What is it?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned there was no need for father to know." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that tell me that you intended to go into harness." "I should wish to." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking passage and a tap at the door. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" like gravel from a pit.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the mysterious business." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." gone. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself me. You must get home instantly and act." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the lumber-room." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "And is that all?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling instincts rose up against that laugh. head. So long, then!" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "The Coroner: What do you mean? every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "The King of Scandinavia." again." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. desk. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son London for the present?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Most admirably.' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Come in!" said he. about here speaks of his kindness to him." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Pope's Court. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he him, that man would not have given me such complete information the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a question. "Never." of this gang." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the night.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you more solid." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our records." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from know what is wrong with it.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt astonishment. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that you saw all that I did." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And now?" I asked. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge of it with the greatest attention. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "One horse?" interjected Holmes. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort standing smiling on the door-step. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the coronet at all injured?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose anything to do with the matter?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous assist you in forming an opinion." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No, I think that I'll take it." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and ventilator." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Ha! you find it so?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, a monotonous occupation." goes." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was are, and they are waiting for us." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "How did you trace it, then?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'Where could I find him?' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. so far?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to noise which awoke you from your sleep?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I came to find a friend." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Does that suggest anything?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It is true that I have been generally successful." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from second window is the one that I jumped from." "You did not overhear what they said?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several were wasted." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was views." Sholtos." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Yes, it would be as well." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: I nodded to show that I had heard. should be so warm over such a trifle."